A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a prescription for ferrous sulfate elixir.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"I can prevent nausea if I take the medication on an empty stomach."
"I will report black stools to my doctor."
"I will mix the medication with a full glass of water."
"I can prevent constipation if I drink more milk while taking this medication."
The Correct Answer is C
a. Ferrous sulfate works best when you take it on an empty stomach. However, taking ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach can actually increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea. It is often recommended to take it with food to reduce nausea, even though absorption is best on an empty stomach. Thus, this statement does not indicate proper understanding.
b. Black stools are a common side effect of taking iron supplements and are usually not a cause for concern unless they are tarry or associated with other symptoms, which could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. Reporting black stools to the doctor is typically not necessary unless the stool is tarry and has other concerning symptoms like abdominal pain or bleeding. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of common side effects.
c. Mixing ferrous sulfate elixir with a full glass of water is advisable because it helps dilute the medication, making it easier to swallow and reducing the risk of gastrointestinal irritation. This practice also ensures that the medication is taken completely. This statement indicates a correct understanding of how to take the medication properly.
d. While staying hydrated can help manage constipation, milk is not recommended with iron supplements because calcium in milk can interfere with the absorption of iron. Instead, increasing water intake, eating a high-fiber diet, and considering other dietary measures would be better advice for preventing constipation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Assessing the client's ability to use the call light is crucial for their safety and well-being. If the client is unable to use the call light to request assistance, it increases the risk of falls or accidents when they attempt to move or perform tasks without assistance. By determining the client's ability to use the call light, the nurse can ensure that appropriate measures are in place to enable the client to call for help whenever needed.
Applying rubber-soled slippers before ambulation helps to provide better traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls, but it can be implemented after assessing the client's ability to use the call light.
Moving the bedside table closer to the bed is helpful for the client to access personal items without the need to reach or stretch, but it is not the highest priority among the given options.
Creating a schedule with assistive personnel for hourly rounding is important for regular checks on the client's safety and well-being, but it can be arranged after assessing the client's ability to use the call light.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A nurse assisting with the care of a client who is 6 hours postoperative following a right total knee arthroplasty should check the client's pedal pulses every hour. This is important to assess the adequacy of blood flow and tissue perfusion to the extremity.
It is also important to monitor the client's pain level, administer pain medication as ordered, and encourage the client to perform exercises as appropriate.
The head of the client's bed should be maintained in a semi-Fowler's position to promote optimal respiratory function, and the client's dressing should be changed only as needed and with sterile technique.
An abductor wedge is not typically used following knee arthroplasty surgery.
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