A nurse is speaking on the phone to a client who is pregnant and taking iron supplements for iron-deficiency anaemia. 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 there.".
"What else have you been eating?.".
"This is expected because of the way iron is broken down during digestion.".
"Come to the office, and we will check things out.".
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale:
This response is correct because black stools are a common side effect of taking iron supplements. Iron can cause the stool to appear black or
tarry due to the way it is broken down during digestion. It does not necessarily indicate a serious issue, especially if the client is not experiencing any abdominal pain or cramping. Educating the client about this expected side effect helps alleviate any concerns they might have about the change in stool colour.
Choice A rationale:
"Go to the emergency room and your provider will meet you there.”. This response is not appropriate in this situation. The client's report of black stools without abdominal pain or cramping is likely due to the iron supplements and does not warrant a visit to the emergency room. This response may cause unnecessary panic and anxiety for the client.
Choice B rationale:
"What else have you been eating?.”. This response is also not the best choice. While it's essential for healthcare providers to gather comprehensive information about a client's diet and lifestyle, in this case, the client's black stools can be directly attributed to the iron supplements. Focusing on other dietary factors might distract from addressing the client's concern about the side effect of iron supplementation.
Choice D rationale:
"Come to the office, and we will check things out.”. This response is not the most appropriate one either. A visit to the office might not be necessary solely based on the client's report of black stools without accompanying pain or cramping. This situation can be managed through education, and the client can be reassured that it is a typical side effect of iron supplements. An unnecessary visit to the office could inconvenience the client and waste both their time and the healthcare provider's time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should recommend the client to increase cellulose and fluid in the diet. Cellulose is a type of fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Increasing fiber intake can help alleviate constipation by adding bulk to the stool and promoting regular bowel movements. Additionally, the recommendation to increase fluid intake complements the effect of fiber, as it softens the stool, making it easier to pass through the intestines. This combination of increased cellulose and fluid intake is a safe and natural way to address constipation during pregnancy without the need for medication or invasive interventions.
Choice B rationale:
Regular use of glycerine suppositories is not the best recommendation for pregnant clients experiencing constipation. Suppositories are inserted into the rectum to stimulate bowel movements and should only be used sparingly when other methods have failed. Pregnant individuals may have increased sensitivity, and it's essential to avoid unnecessary procedures or potential discomfort.
Choice C rationale:
Regular use of a laxative is also not the most suitable recommendation for a pregnant client with constipation. While laxatives can provide relief, they may lead to dependency and might have adverse effects on the developing fetus. It is best to explore safer and more natural methods before resorting to laxative use during pregnancy.
Choice D rationale:
Maintenance of good posture is essential during pregnancy for various rationales, but it is not a specific solution for constipation. While maintaining good posture can help alleviate back pain and other discomforts, it does not directly address the issue of constipation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Choice A, fetal head compression, is not the correct answer in this case. Fetal head compression can cause early decelerations in the FHR, not variable decelerations. Early decelerations are often a result of the fetal head being compressed during contractions and are considered benign and expected during labor.
Choice B rationale:
The correct answer is choice B, which is umbilical cord compression. Variable decelerations of the fetal heart rate (FHR) can occur during labor due to various rationales, and umbilical cord compression is one of the common causes. When the umbilical cord gets compressed, it can briefly reduce or restrict the blood flow and oxygen supply to the fetus, leading to temporary decelerations in the FHR.
Choice C rationale:
Choice C, maternal fever, is also not the correct answer for variable decelerations in FHR. Maternal fever can be a sign of infection, and it may lead to other fetal heart rate abnormalities, such as tachycardia (an increased heart rate), but it is not specifically associated with variable decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Choice D, polyhydramnios, is not the cause of variable decelerations in this scenario. Polyhydramnios refers to an excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid around the fetus. While it can have implications for pregnancy, it is not directly linked to variable decelerations of the FHR.
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