A nurse is educating the parents of a toddler about iron deficiency anemia.

Which of the following should the nurse suggest as a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia?

Choice A rationale
While an area of warmth can be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it is not the most specific or indicative symptom. DVT is a condition in which blood clots form in veins located deep inside the body, usually in the thigh or lower legs. The most common symptoms include swelling of the foot, ankle, or leg, usually on one side, cramping of the affected leg, severe leg pain, and skin on the affected area that is warmer than the skin on surrounding areas.
However, these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, making them less specific for DVT.
Choice B rationale
Nausea is not typically a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The most common symptoms of DVT include swelling of the foot, ankle, or leg, usually on one side, cramping of the affected leg, severe leg pain, and skin on the affected area that is warmer than the skin on surrounding areas.
Choice C rationale
A cool-to-touch extremity is not typically a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In fact, the skin over the affected area is often warmer than the skin on surrounding areas. Therefore, a cool-to-touch extremity would not typically be expected in a client with suspected DVT.
Choice D rationale
Calf tenderness when massaged is a common clinical finding in clients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)2. DVT often causes pain and swelling in the affected leg, and this pain can be particularly noticeable or worsen when the calf is massaged or the client is standing or walking. Therefore, calf tenderness when massaged would be a clinical finding that a nurse should anticipate in a client being admitted with a suspected DVT.

Choice A rationale
While it’s true that some changes in the breast, such as dimpling or discharge, can occur with age, these are not normal and could be signs of a serious condition like breast cancer.
Therefore, this instruction should not be included in the pamphlet.
Choice B rationale
While using the palm of the hand to feel for lumps using a circular motion is a common method, it’s not the most effective. The pads of the three middle fingers should be used instead, as they are more sensitive to changes in the breast tissue.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. Performing a breast self-exam in the shower with soapy hands is recommended because the soap helps your fingers glide smoothly over your skin, making it easier to feel for any lumps or changes.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that women who have a menstrual cycle should perform a breast self-exam every month, the timing suggested here is not accurate. The best time to perform a breast self- exam is a few days after the menstrual period ends, when the breasts are less likely to be tender or swollen.