When administering oral iron supplements to a client with anemia, which nursing action is most important to ensure optimal absorption of the medication?

Crush the iron supplement and mix it with applesauce.

Administer the iron supplement with a glass of milk.

Discontinue and contact provider if client's stools become a tarry green color.

Administer the iron supplement with a vitamin C-rich drink.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Crushing iron supplements and mixing them with applesauce may make the medication easier to take, but it does not directly improve absorption. In fact, crushing tablets could alter the formulation and absorption, especially if the iron supplement is enteric-coated.

B. Administering iron with a glass of milk can actually inhibit absorption because calcium, which is found in milk, can interfere with the absorption of iron.

C. While tarry green stools are a common side effect of iron supplements, this is not a reason to discontinue the medication unless instructed by the healthcare provider.

D. This is the correct answer. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. Administering the supplement with a vitamin C-rich drink, such as orange juice, helps maximize iron absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","F"]

Explanation

A. Neurological assessment is critical in identifying potential complications, especially in cases of head injury, infection, or brain-related conditions. A change in mental status or neurological findings (e.g., confusion, loss of consciousness) warrants immediate follow-up.

B. Basic metabolic panel provides key information on electrolyte imbalances, kidney function, and acid-base status. Imbalances or abnormalities, such as hyperkalemia or hyponatremia, can indicate life-threatening conditions.

C. Blood pressure/heart rate is crucial to monitor because abnormalities in these vital signs can indicate cardiovascular instability, shock, or autonomic dysfunction. Significant changes require immediate intervention.

D. Abdominal assessment is important but not always immediately urgent unless signs of acute abdominal issues (e.g., severe pain, distention, or bleeding) are present.

E. Complete blood count is essential for monitoring for signs of infection, anemia, or bleeding disorders. Abnormalities such as low hemoglobin or a high white blood cell count require further investigation.

F. Pain assessment is important but may not always indicate an immediate life-threatening issue. However, uncontrolled pain or new-onset severe pain can signal a complication, such as infection or tissue damage, which needs prompt attention.

A. Constipation with foul-smelling, ribbon-like stool. B. "Currant jelly" stool. C. Passage of foul-smelling, fatty stools. D. Mucoid, bloody diarrhea.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This is the correct answer. Hirschsprung's disease causes a lack of nerve cells in the colon, leading to difficulty with bowel movement. The result is constipation and the passage of small, ribbon-like stools due to the narrowed areas of the colon. The stool can also be foul-smelling.

B. "Currant jelly" stool is typically associated with intussusception, not Hirschsprung's disease. This stool appears red and mucus-like and suggests a bowel obstruction or infection.

C. Foul-smelling, fatty stools (steatorrhea) are characteristic of malabsorption disorders like cystic fibrosis, not Hirschsprung's disease.

D. Mucoid, bloody diarrhea is more common in conditions like infectious colitis or inflammatory bowel disease, not Hirschsprung's disease.

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When administering oral iron supplements to a client with anemia, which nursing action is most important to ensure optimal absorption of the medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following findings indicate a potential complication that requires immediate follow-up? (Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","F"]

Explanation

Which assessment finding would the nurse expect in an infant with Hirschsprung's disease?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which of the following is a complication of hemophilia?

A nurse is caring for a child who has increasing manifestations of fever, headache, stiff neck, and rash. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse expect the health care provider to order?

During an episode of status epilepticus of a hospitalized child, what is the priority intervention?

A child with a head injury is at risk for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which change in status would alert the nurse to believe an increase in ICP has occurred?

A child is admitted with a suspected diagnosis of Wilms' tumor. The nurse should place a sign with which of the following warnings over the child's bed?

A nurse is assessing a child with iron deficiency anemia. Which of the following is NOT an expected finding?

A nurse is caring for an 8-year-old during a well-child exam. The parent states that the child's cousin has intussusception and asks if their child is at risk. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for an infant who has a 2-day history of vomiting and an elevated temperature. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as the most reliable indicator of fluid loss?