A nurse is teaching a client who has a prescription for ferrous gluconate. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"I should notify my provider if my stools turn black."
1 should take an antacid with this medication to prevent stomach upset."
should stay upright for at least 15 minutes after taking this medication."
should take this medication with 8 ounces of milk."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
"I should notify my provider if my stools turn black." This is the appropriate statement. Ferrous gluconate is an iron supplement commonly prescribed to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia. When taking iron supplements, it's common for stools to become darker or even black in color. This change in stool color is due to the iron and is generally harmless. However, it's essential to inform the healthcare provider about this change because it can also indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which requires evaluation.
Choice B Reason:
Taking an antacid with iron supplements can interfere with iron absorption. Antacids may decrease the absorption of iron in the stomach, so it's not recommended to take them together.
Choice C Reason:
While staying upright after taking certain medications can help prevent esophageal irritation or reflux, it's not specifically required with ferrous gluconate.
Choice D Reason:
Taking iron supplements with milk is also not recommended as milk and calcium-containing products can inhibit the absorption of iron. It's generally best to take iron supplements on an empty stomach or with vitamin C to enhance absorption, unless otherwise instructed by the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Blood pressure is correct. Nitroprusside is a medication used to lower blood pressure in conditions such as hypertensive emergencies. It's titrated based on blood pressure readings, with the goal of achieving the desired target blood pressure range as directed by the healthcare provider. The nurse would monitor the client's blood pressure closely and adjust the infusion rate accordingly to achieve the prescribed blood pressure parameters.
Choice B Reason:
Stroke volume is incorrect. While stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each contraction) is important in assessing heart function, it's not directly used to titrate a nitroprusside infusion. Nitroprusside primarily acts as a vasodilator to reduce blood pressure, rather than affecting stroke volume.
Choice C Reason:
Cardiac output is incorrect. Cardiac output (the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute) is also a crucial measure of heart function, but adjusting a nitroprusside infusion based on cardiac output is not a common practice. Nitroprusside's primary action is to dilate blood vessels, impacting blood pressure regulation more directly than cardiac output.
Choice D Reason:
Urine output is incorrect. While urine output is an important indicator of renal function and overall fluid balance, it is not typically used as the main parameter for titrating nitroprusside. Nitroprusside's primary effect is on vasodilation and blood pressure control rather than directly impacting urine output.

Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Absence of deep-tendon reflexes is correct. The absence or decrease in deep-tendon reflexes can be a sign of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium sulfate, when given in excessive amounts or in the case of accumulation due to impaired renal function, can lead to muscle weakness, hyporeflexia, and in severe cases, loss of deep-tendon reflexes. Discontinuation of magnesium sulfate and administration of calcium gluconate is warranted in severe cases of magnesium toxicity to counteract its effects.
Choice B Reason:
Report of chills is incorrect. Chills are non-specific symptoms and are not typically associated specifically with magnesium toxicity. They are less indicative of a need for calcium gluconate administration in the context of magnesium sulfate infusion.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased level of consciousness is correct. Severe magnesium toxicity can affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like confusion, drowsiness, and eventually decreased level of consciousness. In these cases, discontinuation of magnesium sulfate and administration of calcium gluconate is crucial to counteract the effects of excessive magnesium.
Choice D Reason:
Systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg is incorrect. A systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg, by itself, is not an indicator of magnesium toxicity that necessitates the administration of calcium gluconate. Blood pressure within this range is not typically a cause for concern related to magnesium sulfate administration.
Choice EReason:
Urine output of 80 mL in 4 hours is incorrect. While decreased urine output might indicate potential renal issues or compromised kidney function, it's not a specific indication for the administration of calcium gluconate in the context of magnesium sulfate infusion. It can signal the need for further assessment but is not a direct sign of magnesium toxicity requiring calcium gluconate administration.

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