A nurse in a pediatric clinic is caring for a child who has iron deficiency anemia and a new prescription for ferrous sulfate tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide the parents regarding the administration of this medication?
Iron (Ferrous Sulfate) may turn stools tarry green.
Administer at bedtime.
Give with a 240 mL (8 oz) glass of milk.
Administer at mealtimes.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: This instruction is correct, as iron supplements can cause a change in the color and consistency of stools, making them dark, green, or black. This is not a sign of bleeding or infection, but a normal side effect of iron therapy. The parents should be informed of this possibility and reassured that it is harmless.
Choice B: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be administered at bedtime, but rather one hour before or two hours after meals. This is because iron absorption is reduced by food, especially dairy products, antacids, or calcium supplements. The parents should be instructed to give the medication on an empty stomach or with a small amount of food if it causes nausea.
Choice C: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be given with milk, as milk contains calcium, which can interfere with iron absorption and reduce its effectiveness. The parents should be instructed to avoid giving milk or other dairy products within two hours of the medication.
Choice D: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be administered at mealtimes, but rather one hour before or two hours after meals. This is because iron absorption is reduced by food, especially dairy products, antacids, or calcium supplements. The parents should be instructed to give the medication on an empty stomach or with a small amount of food if it causes nausea.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is correct because examining the child's tympanic membrane at the end of the physical examination is the best strategy to avoid upsetting or frightening the child. The tympanic membrane is the thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear, and it can be examined by using an otoscope, which is a device that has a light and a magnifying lens. Examining the tympanic membrane may be uncomfortable or painful for the child, especially if they have an ear infection or inflammation. Therefore, performing this procedure at the end of the examination can help to minimize the child's distress and resistance.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because examining the child's tympanic membrane before auscultating the chest and abdomen is not a good strategy to avoid upsetting or frightening the child. Auscultating the chest and abdomen is a procedure that involves listening to the sounds of the heart, lungs, and bowel by using a stethoscope, which is a device that has a chest piece and earpieces. Auscultating the chest and abdomen may be soothing or relaxing for the child, as it does not cause any discomfort or pain. Therefore, performing this procedure before examining the tympanic membrane can help to calm and distract the child.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because examining the child's tympanic membrane at the beginning of the physical examination is not a good strategy to avoid upsetting or frightening the child. Examining the tympanic membrane at the beginning of the examination may cause anxiety or fear in the child, which can affect their cooperation and trust for the rest of the examination. Therefore, performing this procedure at the beginning of the examination can increase the child's distress and resistance.
Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because examining the child's tympanic membrane before examining the
head and neck is not a good strategy to avoid upsetting or frightening the child. Examining the head and neck is a procedure that involves inspecting and palpating the scalp, hair, face, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, lymph nodes, and thyroid gland. Examining the head and neck may be easy or pleasant for the child, as it does not cause any discomfort or pain. Therefore, performing this procedure before examining the tympanic membrane can help to establish rapport and confidence with the child.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because the radial artery is not an ideal site to assess the heart rate in an infant. The radial artery is located on the thumb side of the wrist, and it can be palpated by placing two fingers over it. It may be used for adults or older children who have a strong pulse, but it may be difficult to locate or feel in an infant who has a small or weak pulse.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because the carotid artery is not an ideal site to assess the heart rate in an infant. The carotid artery is located on either side of the neck, and it can be palpated by placing two fingers over it. It may be used for adults or older children who have a cardiac arrest or shock, but it may be risky to use in an infant who has a fragile neck or airway.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because the brachial artery is not an ideal site to assess the heart rate in an infant. The brachial artery is located on the inner side of the upper arm, and it can be palpated by placing two fingers over it. It may be used for infants or young children who have a blood pressure measurement, but it may be uncomfortable or inaccurate to use for a heart rate assessment.
Choice D reason: This choice is correct because the apex of the heart is an ideal site to assess the heart rate in an infant. The apex of the heart is located at the fifth intercostal space on the left midclavicular line, and it can be auscultated by placing a stethoscope over it. It may be used for infants or young children who have a regular and strong heartbeat, and it may provide the most accurate measurement of the heart rate.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today