A nurse is providing prenatal teaching about iron to a client who follows a vegetarian diet. The nurse should recommend that the client consume which of the following foods to enhance the absorption of nonheme iron?

Rationale for correct choices:

• Apply oxygen via nasal cannula: The client is experiencing signs of decreased oxygenation (SpO₂ 92%), shallow respirations, and lethargy, which may indicate central nervous system depression from magnesium sulfate. Administering oxygen improves tissue perfusion and is a priority for maternal and fetal well-being.
• Calcium gluconate: Magnesium sulfate toxicity presents with depressed deep tendon reflexes, lethargy, and respiratory depression. Since the client's DTRs have decreased from 3+ to 1+ and respirations are now shallow, calcium gluconate should be prepared as the antidote to reverse toxicity promptly.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Reduce fluid intake: Although the client has reduced urine output and elevated creatinine and BUN levels, there is no indication of fluid overload. Reducing fluids does not address the immediate concern of hypoxia or magnesium toxicity, which are more urgent.
• Discontinue IV infusion: The IV is essential for delivering antihypertensive medications and magnesium sulfate. Discontinuing it would delay critical treatment and worsen the client’s condition. Adjustments, if needed, should follow provider orders after assessment, not be the nurse's initial independent action.
• Hydralazine: Hydralazine is appropriate for severe hypertension but is not the most urgent need when magnesium toxicity is suspected. Managing respiratory compromise and preparing the antidote takes precedence over blood pressure control in this case.
• Nifedipine: Nifedipine was already prescribed and may be administered for ongoing hypertension management. However, it is not used to treat magnesium sulfate toxicity and does not reverse respiratory depression. Thus, while important, it is not the immediate medication to prepare in this scenario.

Rationale:

A. Veracity: Veracity involves telling the truth and providing accurate information. While important in building trust, it is not the ethical principle most relevant to offering emotional presence during grief.

B. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to being faithful to promises and responsibilities, including maintaining confidentiality and following through on care. It does not specifically reflect the act of offering comfort in grief.

C. Beneficence: Beneficence is the act of doing good and promoting the well-being of others. By sitting with the grieving client to provide comfort, the nurse is demonstrating compassion and aiming to alleviate suffering.

D. Autonomy: Autonomy refers to respecting a client’s right to make their own decisions regarding care. While essential in healthcare, it does not directly relate to the nurse’s compassionate presence during bereavement.