Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 73%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
The nurse in the antepartum clinic is caring for a 32-year-old female at 30 weeksÔÇÖ gestation.Item 5 of 6
Nurses' Note
1128: Client reports that she is ÔÇÿlooking forward to her delivery.ÔÇÖ She reports occasional foot and ankle swelling while on her legs for prolonged periods. This has become bothersome because her shoes feel tight at the end of the day. She has occasional backache, which is relieved by her doing shoulder circles. She reports that she has been constipated on occasion, and straining causes her to notice little spots of bright red blood after she wipes. She denies any trouble with sleep, but about two weeks ago, her legs became restless at night. Over the past two weeks, she noticed that she had become more tired than usual and that someone mentioned that she looked unusually pale. She also began noticing daily headaches that lasted for a few hours. She also had to stop going to the gym because of what she describes as intense fatigue. Upon assessment, the client appeared pale and had dry skin. She is alert and fully oriented. Clear lung fields bilaterally. S1/S2/S3 heart tones auscultated. Peripheral pulses 2+. Fundal height is 30 cm. Fetal heart rate via Doppler was 134 bpm. She reports that the fetus moves about 10 times per hour. Denies having any vaginal discharge or burning with urination.
Vital Signs
1129:
ÔÇó 97.8┬░ F (36.6┬░ C)
ÔÇó P 93
ÔÇó RR 19
ÔÇó BP 133/79
ÔÇó Pulse oximetry reading 98% on room air
Progress Notes
1215: Client showing evidence of iron-deficiency anemia. Point of care laboratory test showed a hemoglobin of 8.5 g/dL [10.5 g/dL - 14 g/dL] and low serum ferritin. This is supported by the client's restless legs, headache, fatigue, and pallor.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
A, C
Rationale
Obtaining a prescription for ferrous sulfate (A) is appropriate to treat iron-deficiency anemia, confirmed by low hemoglobin and ferritin. Arranging follow-up laboratory testing (C) monitors treatment efficacy. Ergocalciferol (B) is for vitamin D deficiency, not indicated here. Taking ferrous sulfate with dairy (D) reduces absorption and is incorrect. Increased water intake (E) is not directly related to iron supplementation.