On her first visit, a patient had a baseline hemoglobin of 13.0 gm and a hematocrit of 42.9%.She has been taking ferrous sulfate tablets and eating an iron-rich diet.She returned to the clinic at 30 weeks gestation and has a hemoglobin of 11.0 gm and a hematocrit of 36.3%.She is concerned and confused about why these lab values have gone down.
In responding, which physiological change during pregnancy should the nurse describe to the patient?
The increase in the level of placental hormones tends to result in chelation of maternal iron.
Fetal demand for iron is greater than the maternal intake.
During the latter half of pregnancy, the maternal intestinal absorption of iron is decreased.
The increase in maternal blood volume is greater than the increase in maternal red blood cells.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D. The increase in maternal blood volume is greater than the increase in maternal red blood cells.
This means that the concentration of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood is diluted by the extra fluid.
This is a normal physiological adaptation to pregnancy and does not indicate iron deficiency anemia.
Choice A is wrong because placental hormones do not chelate maternal iron.
Chelation is a process of binding metal ions to organic molecules, which is not relevant to this question.
Choice B is wrong because fetal demand for iron is not greater than maternal intake.
The mother can meet the iron needs of the fetus by increasing her dietary intake and taking iron supplements.
Choice C is wrong because maternal intestinal absorption of iron is not decreased during pregnancy.
In fact, it may be increased due to higher levels of estrogen and progesterone.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Orange juice.This is because orange juice is rich in vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of iron from ferrous sulfate tablets.Vitamin C helps reduce iron to its ferrous form, which is more readily absorbed by the intestinal cells.
Choice A is wrong because milk contains calcium, which inhibits iron absorption by forming insoluble complexes with iron.Choice
B is wrong because tea contains tannins, which are polyphenols that bind to iron and decrease its bioavailability.Choice C is wrong because water does not have any effect on iron absorption, neither enhancing nor inhibiting it.
Normal ranges for serum iron are 50-170 mcg/dL for men and 40-150 mcg/dL for women.Normal ranges for hemoglobin are 13.5-17.5 g/dL for men and 12-15.5 g/dL for women.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: To prevent her from having convulsions.Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia, a condition of high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy.Magnesium sulfate can lower the cerebral perfusion pressure and prevent convulsions.However, magnesium sulfate does not affect the neonatal outcomes and can cause side effects such as respiratory depression.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not decrease blood pressure.It is used along with medications that help reduce blood pressure.
Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not decrease tidal volume.It can cause respiratory depression if the serum level is too high.
Choice C is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not prevent dehydration.It can cause fluid retention and pulmonary edema if given in excess.
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