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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect and is not directly related to respiratory distress syndrome or respiratory acidosis.
Choice B rationale: Cesarean birth, while it can have other implications, is not a direct risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome or respiratory acidosis. The mode of delivery does not directly impact the newborn's respiratory function.
Choice C rationale: While being small for gestational age can be associated with certain health challenges, it is not a direct risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome or respiratory acidosis. The baby's size does not determine its respiratory status.
Choice D rationale: Maternal history of asthma is a risk factor that can predispose the newborn to respiratory difficulties, including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and respiratory acidosis. Infants born to mothers with asthma may have a higher likelihood of developing respiratory problems due to potential genetic factors and exposure to environmental triggers during pregnancy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: The Mongolian spot is a bluish-gray birthmark that is often seen on the lower back or buttocks of newborns with darker skin tones. It is not related to the swelling described in the scenario.
Choice B rationale: Caput succedaneum is a common condition in newborns delivered by vacuum extraction. It is characterized by swelling of the soft tissues of the scalp that crosses the suture lines. The swelling occurs due to pressure from the vacuum extractor during delivery and is caused by fluid accumulation between the scalp and the skull. Caput succedaneum is typically a benign and self-resolving condition that does not require treatment.
Choice C rationale: Cephalhematoma is a collection of blood between the periosteum and the skull bone. Unlike caput succedaneum, it does not cross the suture lines and can take weeks to months to resolve.
Choice D rationale: Erythema toxicum is a common skin rash in newborns characterized by red or pink spots with a yellow or white bump in the center. It is not related to the swelling described in the scenario.
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