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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because bradycardia is not a common finding in a child who is in a sickle cell crisis. Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal (less than 60 beats per minute). It may be caused by various factors such as hypothermia, hypothyroidism, or medication side effects, but it does not indicate a sickle cell crisis.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because constipation is not a common finding in a child who is in a sickle cell crisis. Constipation is a condition in which the bowel movements are infrequent, hard, or difficult to pass. It may be caused by various factors such as dehydration, a low-fiber diet, or lack of physical activity, but it does not indicate a sickle cell crisis.
Choice C reason: This choice is correct because pain is a common finding in a child who is in a sickle cell crisis. Sickle cell crisis is a condition in which the red blood cells become sickle-shaped and clump together, blocking the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the organs and tissues. It may cause severe pain in the chest, abdomen, joints, or bones, as well as symptoms such as pallor, jaundice, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because high fever is not a specific finding in a child who is in a sickle cell crisis. High fever may indicate infection, inflammation, or dehydration, but it does not indicate sickle cell crisis. However, the infection can trigger or worsen the sickle cell crisis, so it should be treated promptly with antibiotics and fluids.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: A heart rate of 72/min is within the normal range for an adolescent, which is 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate of 72/min does not indicate any signs of shock, hemorrhage, or cardiac injury. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.
Choice B: A blood pressure of 84/52 mm Hg is below the normal range for an adolescent, which is 110 to 120/70 to 80 mm Hg. A blood pressure of 84/52 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which can be a sign of shock, hemorrhage, or internal organ damage. Hypotension can lead to decreased tissue perfusion, organ failure, or death. Therefore, this finding is the nurse's priority and requires immediate intervention.
Choice C: An abdominal pain rated 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 is a moderate level of pain that can indicate inflammation, injury, or infection in the abdomen. However, pain is a subjective symptom that may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Pain can also be managed with analgesics or other measures. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.
Choice D: A respiratory rate of 20/min is within the normal range for an adolescent, which is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 20/min does not indicate any signs of respiratory distress, hypoxia, or pulmonary injury. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.
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