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 correct term to document this finding is "Quickening." Quickening refers to the first perception of fetal movement by the pregnant woman, usually described as light fluttering or sensation of movement in the abdomen. It is an exciting milestone for pregnant women and often occurs around 18 to 20 weeks of gestation. It is a significant moment as it indicates the woman can feel the baby's movements, signifying the fetus's increasing activity and growth.
Choice B rationale: Ballottement is a physical examination technique used to assess the fetus's position and movement within the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. It involves a gentle tap on the mother's abdomen to feel the fetus bounce or float in the amniotic fluid.
Choice C rationale: Chloasma, also known as the "mask of pregnancy," refers to dark patches of skin that may appear on the face during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. It is not related to the sensation of fetal movement.
Choice D rationale: Lightening, also known as "engagement," is the process in late pregnancy when the baby's head descends into the pelvis, preparing for childbirth. It often occurs a few weeks before labor begins and can result in the mother feeling less pressure on her diaphragm, which may make breathing easier. It is not related to the perception of fetal movement described by the client.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: During phototherapy, it is essential to maintain adequate hydration and nutrition for the newborn. Encouraging frequent breastfeeding helps provide the baby with essential nutrients and fluids, which can be lost due to increased stooling caused by phototherapy.
Choice B rationale: The use of lotion on the newborn's skin during phototherapy is not recommended, as it may interfere with the effectiveness of the light therapy. The skin needs to be exposed to the light for the treatment to work.
Choice C rationale: Monitoring the newborn's blood glucose level is not directly related to phototherapy. Blood glucose monitoring may be necessary for specific medical reasons, but it is not a standard intervention during phototherapy.
Choice D rationale: During phototherapy, the newborn is usually placed in a supine (face-up) position to ensure maximum exposure of the skin to the phototherapy lights. The prone position is not recommended during phototherapy as it may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

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