A nurse is attending to an 8-year-old child diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever. What should be the nurse’s immediate priority assessment after admission?

Choice A rationale
The nurse should be concerned about a client with an 18kg (4 lb) weight gain in her first trimester. This is because the expected weight gain for a client in the first trimester is usually around 1.8 kg (4 lb)1. A weight gain of 18 kg in the first trimester significantly exceeds this expectation, which could indicate a potential health issue such as gestational diabetes or multiple pregnancies. It’s important for the nurse to report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Choice B rationale
A client with a 68 kg (15 lb) weight gain in her second trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. Weight gain during pregnancy varies among individuals and can be influenced by factors such as the mother’s body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, the baby’s growth rate, and the mother’s diet and lifestyle. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.
Choice C rationale
A client with a 13 kg (25 lb) weight gain in her third trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. Weight gain during the third trimester can be influenced by factors such as the baby’s growth rate, amniotic fluid volume, and the mother’s increased blood volume. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.
Choice D rationale
A client with a 3.6 kg (8 lb) weight gain in her first trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. This is within the expected weight gain range for the first trimester. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.

Choice A rationale
Iron supplements should not be administered in one large dose every day. High doses can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and dark stools.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring blood count routinely for several weeks is necessary when a child is taking iron supplements for iron deficiency anemia. This helps to ensure that the supplement is effective and that iron levels are being restored to a healthy range.
Choice C rationale
Iron supplements are not necessarily more effective if administered with meals. In fact, some studies suggest that taking iron supplements with food might decrease the amount of iron absorbed.
Choice D rationale
Restricting fiber from a child’s diet will not necessarily help with the absorption of iron. In fact, a balanced diet, including fiber, is important for overall health.