The nurse is administering liquid oral iron supplements. Which intervention is appropriate when administering this medication?
- A. Have the patient take the liquid iron with milk.
- B. Instruct the patient to take the medication through a plastic straw.
- C. Have the patient sip the medication slowly.
- D. Have the patient drink the medication, undiluted, from the unit-dose cup.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Liquid oral forms of iron need to be taken through a plastic straw to avoid discoloration of tooth enamel. Milk may decrease absorption.
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A nurse is giving instructions to a patient who will be receiving oral iron supplements. Which instructions will be included in the teaching plan?
- A. Take the iron tablets with milk or antacids.
- B. Crush the pills as needed to help with swallowing.
- C. Take the iron tablets with meals if gastrointestinal distress occurs.
- D. If black tarry stools occur, report it to the doctor immediately.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Although taking iron tablets with food may decrease absorption, doing so helps to reduce gastrointestinal distress. Antacids and milk may cause decreased iron absorption; iron tablets must be taken whole and not crushed. Black, tarry stools are expected adverse effects of oral iron supplements.
A patient is to receive iron dextran injections. Which technique is appropriate when the nurse is administering this medication?
- A. Intravenous administration mixed with 5% dextrose
- B. Intramuscular injection in the upper arm
- C. Intramuscular injection using the Z-track method
- D. Subcutaneous injection into the abdomen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Intramuscular iron is given using the Z-track method deep into a large muscle mass. If given intravenously, it is given with normal saline, not 5% dextrose.
The nurse will teach a patient who is receiving oral iron supplements to watch for which expected adverse effects?
- A. Palpitations
- B. Drowsiness and dizziness
- C. Black, tarry stools
- D. Orange-red discoloration of the urine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Black, tarry stools and other gastrointestinal disturbances may occur with the administration of iron preparations.
A woman who is planning to become pregnant should ensure that she receives adequate levels of which supplement to reduce the risk for fetal neural tube defects?
- A. Vitamin B12
- B. Vitamin D
- C. Iron
- D. Folic acid
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: It is recommended that administration of folic acid be begun at least 1 month before pregnancy and continue through early pregnancy to reduce the risk for fetal neural tube defects.
A patient has been taking iron supplements for anemia for 2 months. During a follow-up assessment, the nurse will observe for which therapeutic response?
- A. Decreased weight
- B. Increased activity tolerance
- C. Decreased palpitations
- D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Absence of fatigue, increased activity tolerance and well-being, and improved nutrition status are therapeutic responses to iron supplementation.
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