A nurse is speaking on the phone to a client on the phone who is pregnant and taking iron supplements for iron-deficiency anemia. The client reports that her stools are black but she has no abdominal pain or cramping. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
"Go to the emergency room and your provider will meet you the
"Come to the office and we will check things out."
"What else have you been eating?"
"This is expected because of the way iron is broken down during digestion."
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Going to the emergency room for black stools without abdominal pain or cramping is not warranted in this situation.
Choice B rationale:
Having the client come to the office to check things out may not be necessary since black stools can be an expected side effect of iron supplements and do not necessarily indicate a problem.
Choice C rationale:
Asking about the client's diet is a valid question, but the black stools are likely due to iron supplements' effects and not related to dietary choices.
Choice D rationale:
Black stools are a known side effect of iron supplements. When iron is broken down during digestion, it can cause the stools to appear black or dark. As the client has no other concerning symptoms like abdominal pain or cramping, this response by the nurse reassures the client that the finding is expected and not a cause for alarm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: The rooting reflex is a natural reflex in newborns that helps them find the nipple for feeding. When the baby's cheek is touched or stroked, they will turn their head in that direction and open their mouth, searching for the breast or bottle.
Choice B rationale: The Babinski reflex is a different reflex, which involves the fanning and curling of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked. It is not related to sucking or feeding.
Choice C rationale: The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, occurs when a newborn is startled by a sudden noise or movement. The baby reacts by extending their arms and legs and then bringing them back toward the center of their body. It is not related to sucking or feeding.
Choice D rationale: The stepping reflex is observed when a newborn is held upright with their feet touching a solid surface. The baby will make stepping movements, but it is not related to sucking or feeding.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) determination is not used to screen for ABO incompatibility. It is specifically used to screen for certain fetal abnormalities.
Choice B rationale:
MSAFP determination is not used to screen for gestational diabetes. It is primarily used for detecting certain fetal abnormalities.
Choice C rationale:
The MSAFP test is a prenatal screening test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein may indicate a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida, or other chromosomal abnormalities.
Choice D rationale:
MSAFP determination is not used to screen for fetal maturity. It is used to assess the risk of certain fetal abnormalities.
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