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: A 10-year-old child who has sickle cell anemia and reports severe chest pain should be assessed first, as this is a sign of acute chest syndrome, which is a life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease. Acute chest syndrome occurs when sickle-shaped red blood cells block the blood flow to the lungs, causing hypoxia, inflammation, and infection. Acute chest syndrome can lead to respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, or stroke.
Choice B: A 7-year-old child who has diabetes insipidus and a urine specific gravity of 1.016 should be assessed second, as this is a sign of dehydration, which is a common complication of diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is a condition in which the body does not produce enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or does not respond to it properly, resulting in excessive urination and thirst. Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalance, hypotension, or shock.
Choice C: A 4-year-old child who has asthma and an O2 sat of 97% should be assessed third, as this is a sign of adequate oxygenation, which is a desired outcome of asthma management. Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed, narrow, and produce excess mucus, causing difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness. Asthma can be triggered by allergens, irritants, exercise, or infections.
Choice D: A 1-year-old toddler who has roseola and a temperature of 39°C/102.2°F should be assessed last, as this is a sign of a mild viral infection, which is self-limiting and usually resolves within a week. Roseola is a common childhood illness that causes a high fever followed by a pink rash on the trunk, face, and limbs. Roseola can also cause irritability, swollen lymph nodes, or mild diarrhea.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: A WBC count of 17,000/mm³ is an abnormal result that the nurse should anticipate when reviewing this client's laboratory values, as it indicates leukocytosis, which is an increase in white blood cells. Leukocytosis can occur in a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes thick mucus to block the airways and lungs and causes respiratory infections and inflammation. A normal WBC count for children is 5,000 to 10,000/mm³.
Choice B: A neutrophil count of 3,000/mm³ is not an abnormal result that the nurse should anticipate when reviewing this client's laboratory values, as it indicates normal neutrophil levels. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that fight bacterial infections. A normal neutrophil count for children is 1,500 to 8,000/mm³.
Choice C: A lymphocyte count of 3,000/mm³ is not an abnormal result that the nurse should anticipate when reviewing this client's laboratory values, as it indicates normal lymphocyte levels. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that fight viral infections. A normal lymphocyte count for children is 1,500 to 4,000/mm³.
Choice D: An RBC count of 4.2 million/mm³ is not an abnormal result that the nurse should anticipate when reviewing this client's laboratory values, as it indicates normal red blood cell levels. Red blood cells carry oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. A normal RBC count for children is 4 to 5.5 million/mm³.
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