A nurse is preparing to administer ciprofloxacin to a client. The nurse should identify that the medication is treatment for exposure to which of the following agents?

In this scenario, the client is most likely experiencing iron deficiency anemia, based on the diagnostic results that show low hemoglobin (10 mg/dL), low hematocrit (31%), and low serum ferritin (9 mcg/L), which are below the normal ranges for a pregnant individual.

The correct answers are:

Potential Condition:

• a. Iron deficiency anemia

Actions to Take:

• a. Administer iron supplements (to address the anemia and increase iron levels)
• b. Teach the client about a diet rich in iron (to support iron supplementation and improve dietary intake of iron)

Parameters to Monitor:

• a. Hemoglobin levels (to assess improvements in oxygen-carrying capacity and monitor for anemia)
• b. Hematocrit levels (to monitor the volume of red blood cells and further assess anemia)

By addressing the low iron levels, administering supplements, and providing dietary guidance, the nurse can help correct the anemia. Monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit will help track the client’s progress in overcoming the condition.

Choice A reason:

Blurred vision: While blurred vision can occur in some cases of meningitis, it is not one of the most common or definitive symptoms. Meningitis primarily affects the meninges, leading to symptoms like headache, fever, and neck stiffness. Blurred vision might be a secondary symptom due to increased intracranial pressure, but it is not as typical as other symptoms.

Choice B reason:

Severe headache: A severe headache is a hallmark symptom of meningitis. This headache is often described as intense and different from typical headaches. It is caused by the inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The headache is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light.

Choice C reason:

Oriented to person, place, and year: Being oriented to person, place, and year indicates normal cognitive function. However, meningitis can cause confusion, altered mental status, and even loss of consciousness in severe cases. Therefore, this finding would not be expected in a client with meningitis.

Choice D reason:

Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with meningitis. Meningitis symptoms are more related to the central nervous system and include fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Bradycardia might occur in other conditions but is not a common finding in meningitis.