Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A patient diagnosed with Iron deficiency has been instructed to eat iron-rich food, what statement indicates understanding by the patient?
A. "I will eat leafy green vegetables.".
Eating leafy green vegetables is a good way to increase iron intake, as they are rich in iron and other nutrients. Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron to make hemoglobin, resulting in low red blood cell count and low oxygen delivery to the tissues. Leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, turnip greens, and collard greens are among the best sources of iron from plants.
B. "I will take calcium supplements.".
Taking calcium supplements is not helpful for iron deficiency anemia, as calcium can interfere with iron absorption. Calcium binds to iron in the intestine and prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, calcium supplements should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements or iron-rich foods. Calcium is important for bone health, but it does not affect hemoglobin production or red blood cell count.
C. "I will consume two glasses of prune juice daily.".
Consuming two glasses of prune juice daily is not advisable for iron deficiency anemia, as prune juice has a laxative effect and can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and loss of nutrients, including iron. Prune juice also contains oxalates, which are compounds that can reduce iron absorption by forming insoluble complexes with iron in the intestine. Prune juice does contain some iron, but not enough to compensate for its negative effects on iron status.
D. "I will consume raw sushi.".
Consuming raw sushi is not recommended for iron deficiency anemia, as raw fish can contain parasites or bacteria that can cause infections. Infections can increase inflammation and blood loss, which can worsen iron deficiency anemia. Raw fish also contains phytates, which are substances that can inhibit iron absorption by binding to iron in the intestine. Raw fish does provide some iron, but it is not a reliable or safe source of iron for people with iron deficiency anemia. : Iron deficiency anemia - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo Clinic. : Iron- Deficiency Anemia - Hematology.org.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Custom Maternity Final 23D Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Eating leafy green vegetables is a good way to increase iron intake, as they are rich in iron and other nutrients. Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron to make hemoglobin, resulting in low red blood cell count and low oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, turnip greens, and collard greens are among the best sources of iron from plants.
Choice B reason:
Taking calcium supplements is not helpful for iron deficiency anemia, as calcium can interfere with iron absorption. Calcium binds to iron in the intestine and prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, calcium supplements should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements or iron-rich foods. Calcium is important for bone health, but it does not affect hemoglobin production or red blood cell count.
Choice C reason:
Consuming two glasses of prune juice daily is not advisable for iron deficiency anemia, as prune juice has a laxative effect and can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and loss of nutrients, including iron. Prune juice also contains oxalates, which are compounds that can reduce iron absorption by forming insoluble complexes with iron in the intestine. Prune juice does contain some iron, but not enough to compensate for its negative effects on iron status.
Choice D reason:
Consuming raw sushi is not recommended for iron deficiency anemia, as raw fish can contain parasites or bacteria that can cause infections. Infections can increase inflammation and blood loss, which can worsen iron deficiency anemia. Raw fish also contains phytates, which are substances that can inhibit iron absorption by binding to iron in the intestine. Raw fish does provide some iron, but it is not a reliable or safe source of iron for people with iron deficiency anemia. : Iron deficiency anemia - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo Clinic. : Iron- Deficiency Anemia - Hematology.org.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a newborn who was delivered by vacuum extraction and has swelling on his head that crosses the suture line. The newborn's mother asks about the swelling on her newborn's head. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. "This is a caput succedaneum, which is a collection of fluid from pressure of the vacuum extractor.".
This is a caput succedaneum, which is a collection of fluid from pressure of the vacuum extractor. This is the correct answer because caput succedaneum is a swelling of the scalp that crosses the suture line and is caused by prolonged pressure on the baby's head during delivery. It can also result from the use of vacuum extraction or forceps. Caput succedaneum is harmless and usually resolves on its own within a few days.
B. "This is erythema toxicum, which is a transient allergic reaction that causes edema in the skin.".
This is erythema toxicum, which is a transient allergic reaction that causes edema in the skin. This is incorrect because erythema toxicum is a common rash that affects newborns, but it does not cause swelling of the scalp or cross the suture line. It appears as red blotches with small white or yellow bumps that can occur anywhere on the body. Erythema toxicum is also harmless and usually disappears within a week.
C. "This is a cephalhematoma, which will resolve on its own in 3 to 5 days.".
This is a cephalhematoma, which will resolve on its own in 3 to 5 days. This is incorrect because cephalhematoma is bleeding under the scalp that does not cross the suture line and is caused by ruptured blood vessels in the scalp. It can also result from the use of vacuum extraction or forceps. Cephalhematoma may take weeks or months to resolve and can increase the risk of jaundice.
D. "This is a Mongolian spot, which is found on many newborns.".
This is a Mongolian spot, which is found on many newborns. This is incorrect because Mongolian spots are bluish-gray patches of skin that are present at birth and are caused by melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) that are trapped in the deeper layers of the skin. They are not related to swelling or pressure on the head and usually fade by age 5.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is a caput succedaneum, which is a collection of fluid from pressure of the vacuum extractor. This is the correct answer because caput succedaneum is a swelling of the scalp that crosses the suture line and is caused by prolonged pressure on the baby's head during delivery. It can also result from the use of vacuum extraction or forceps. Caput succedaneum is harmless and usually resolves on its own within a few days.
Choice B reason:
This is erythema toxicum, which is a transient allergic reaction that causes edema in the skin. This is incorrect because erythema toxicum is a common rash that affects newborns, but it does not cause swelling of the scalp or cross the suture line. It appears as red blotches with small white or yellow bumps that can occur anywhere on the body. Erythema toxicum is also harmless and usually disappears within a week.
Choice C reason:
This is a cephalhematoma, which will resolve on its own in 3 to 5 days. This is incorrect because cephalhematoma is bleeding under the scalp that does not cross the suture line and is caused by ruptured blood vessels in the scalp. It can also result from the use of vacuum extraction or forceps. Cephalhematoma may take weeks or months to resolve and can increase the risk of jaundice.
Choice D reason:
This is a Mongolian spot, which is found on many newborns. This is incorrect because Mongolian spots are bluish-gray patches of skin that are present at birth and are caused by melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) that are trapped in the deeper layers of the skin. They are not related to swelling or pressure on the head and usually fade by age 5.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about phenylketonuria (PKU) testing with the parent of a newborn. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "My baby will be placed under special lights if the test is elevated.".
This statement is incorrect because special lights are used to treat jaundice, not PKU. Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product that is normally removed by the liver. Special lights help break down bilirubin so that it can be excreted from the body.
B. "This test checks for a genetic disorder that can be corrected by diet.".
This statement is correct because PKU is a genetic disorder that can be corrected by diet. PKU is caused by a lack of an enzyme that breaks down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods. Phenylalanine can build up in the blood and cause brain damage and other health problems if not treated. A diet that is low in phenylalanine and high in a special formula can prevent these complications.
C. "Sometimes the test is repeated in the doctor's office at the 2-week check-up.".
This statement is correct because sometimes the test is repeated in the doctor's office at the 2-week check-up. The PKU test is done one to three days after birth, but it may not be accurate if the baby has not had enough protein in their diet before the test. A repeat test may be needed to confirm or rule out PKU.
D. "My baby must take formula or breast milk before the test is done.".
This statement is incorrect because the baby must take formula or breast milk after the test is done, not before. The test measures the level of phenylalanine in the blood, which will be higher if the baby has eaten protein-rich foods. The test should be done after the baby has fasted for at least two hours.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement is incorrect because special lights are used to treat jaundice, not PKU. Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product that is normally removed by the liver. Special lights help break down bilirubin so that it can be excreted from the body.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct because PKU is a genetic disorder that can be corrected by diet. PKU is caused by a lack of an enzyme that breaks down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods. Phenylalanine can build up in the blood and cause brain damage and other health problems if not treated. A diet that is low in phenylalanine and high in a special formula can prevent these complications.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct because sometimes the test is repeated in the doctor's office at the 2-week check-up. The PKU test is done one to three days after birth, but it may not be accurate if the baby has not had enough protein in their diet before the test. A repeat test may be needed to confirm or rule out PKU.
Choice D reason:
This statement is incorrect because the baby must take formula or breast milk after the test is done, not before. The test measures the level of phenylalanine in the blood, which will be higher if the baby has eaten protein-rich foods. The test should be done after the baby has fasted for at least two hours.
Which physical signs could indicate a risk for hyperbilirubinemia?
A. Tremors
Tremors are not a sign of hyperbilirubinemia, but they may indicate other problems such as hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, or seizures. Tremors are involuntary muscle movements that can affect different parts of the body.
B. Newborn rash
Newborn rash, also known as erythema toxicum, is a common and harmless skin condition that affects many newborns. It causes red spots with white or yellow centers on the face, chest, back, or limbs. It is not related to hyperbilirubinemia or liver function.
C. Cephalohematoma
Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp that occurs due to trauma during delivery. It can increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia because the breakdown of red blood cells in the hematoma releases bilirubin into the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is normally processed by the liver and excreted in stool and urine. If the liver is overwhelmed by the amount of bilirubin, it can cause jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes.
D. Acrocyanosis
Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet that occurs in some newborns due to poor circulation. It is usually a normal and transient phenomenon that does not indicate any serious problem. It is not a sign of hyperbilirubinemia or liver dysfunction.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Tremors are not a sign of hyperbilirubinemia, but they may indicate other problems such as hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, or seizures. Tremors are involuntary muscle movements that can affect different parts of the body.
Choice B reason:
Newborn rash, also known as erythema toxicum, is a common and harmless skin condition that affects many newborns. It causes red spots with white or yellow centers on the face, chest, back, or limbs. It is not related to hyperbilirubinemia or liver function.
Choice C reason:
Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp that occurs due to trauma during delivery. It can increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia because the breakdown of red blood cells in the hematoma releases bilirubin into the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is normally processed by the liver and excreted in stool and urine. If the liver is overwhelmed by the amount of bilirubin, it can cause jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Choice D reason:
Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet that occurs in some newborns due to poor circulation. It is usually a normal and transient phenomenon that does not indicate any serious problem. It is not a sign of hyperbilirubinemia or liver dysfunction.