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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Abdominal pain with minimal red vaginal bleeding may not be as concerning as other options. While it could be a sign of placenta previa, it is not as specific or significant as the finding in Choice B.
Choice B rationale:
A large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding without pain is a significant finding that is highly suggestive of placenta previa. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, and vaginal bleeding is a common symptom. The bright red colour indicates active bleeding, and the absence of pain is noteworthy as placenta previa bleeding is typically painless.
Choice C rationale:
Severe abdominal pain with increasing fundal height is not a typical sign of placenta previa. While abdominal pain can be associated with various pregnancy complications, it is not a specific finding for this condition.
Choice D rationale:
Intermittent abdominal pain following the passage of bloody mucus could be related to other issues, such as preterm labor or cervical changes. While bleeding may be present in placenta previa, the pain and passage of mucus are not characteristic features of this condition.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client's statement, "I need to schedule the test when the baby is usually active,”. is accurate and demonstrates a good understanding of the nonstress test (NST). The NST is typically performed to assess the baby's heart rate and movements when they are active, which provides better insights into the baby's well-being.
Choice B rationale:
The client's statement, "The baby's heart rate will be monitored during the test,”. is correct and indicates a solid grasp of the purpose of the NST. During the test, the baby's heart rate is continuously monitored to assess their overall well-being and any signs of distress.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. The client's statement, "I will have to lie on my back during the test,”. indicates a need for further teaching. In an NST, pregnant individuals are usually asked to lie on their left side, not on their back. The left lateral position enhances blood flow to the placenta and the baby, making it the preferred position for this test.
Choice D rationale:
The client's statement, "I will be able to go to the bathroom during the test as necessary,”. is accurate and demonstrates a good understanding of the NST procedure. Unlike some other prenatal tests, NST allows pregnant individuals to change positions, including using the bathroom if needed, to ensure their comfort during the monitoring process.
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