A pregnant patient with a history of anemia is asking the nurse about managing iron deficiency. Which of the following statements by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Iron supplements should be taken with a source of vitamin C to enhance absorption. Iron absorption is increased in the presence of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps convert iron into a more absorbable form. This is crucial for managing iron deficiency anemia in pregnant patients. Incorrect choices: A: Iron supplements should not be taken with milk as calcium in milk can hinder iron absorption. C: Iron supplements are safe to take throughout pregnancy, and avoiding them during the second trimester is not recommended. D: There is no specific recommendation to take iron supplements at night before bed; it can be taken at any time of the day.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria. Monitoring blood pressure and urine for protein is essential for early detection and intervention. Choice B is incorrect as abdominal pain and nausea are not specific symptoms of preeclampsia. Choice C is incorrect because excessive fluid intake can worsen preeclampsia. Choice D is incorrect as rest alone cannot prevent or manage preeclampsia. Prioritizing blood pressure and urine monitoring helps identify and manage preeclampsia efficiently.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Eat small, frequent meals and avoid spicy or fatty foods. This is because small, frequent meals can help manage nausea by preventing the stomach from becoming too full, while avoiding spicy or fatty foods can reduce irritation and ease digestion. Option B is incorrect as excessive water intake can worsen nausea. Option C is wrong as lying flat on the back can exacerbate nausea and is not recommended during pregnancy. Option D is incorrect because skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar levels, worsening nausea. Overall, choice A aligns with evidence-based strategies for managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the discharge for characteristics such as color, odor, and consistency. This is the priority action because sudden changes in vaginal discharge during pregnancy could indicate a potential infection or other complications that need to be promptly addressed. By assessing the characteristics of the discharge, the nurse can gather important information to determine the appropriate next steps, whether it requires immediate medical attention or can be managed with monitoring. Choice A is incorrect because simply using a sanitary pad and monitoring for changes does not address the underlying cause of the increased discharge. Choice C is incorrect as rest alone may not address the potential issue with the discharge. Choice D is also incorrect because while contacting the healthcare provider is important, assessing the discharge first provides crucial information for a more informed discussion with the provider.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because placing the baby in the same bed increases the risk of suffocation, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and other sleep-related accidents. Co-sleeping is not recommended due to the potential hazards. Choices A, C, and D are safe sleep practices. Placing the baby on their back reduces the risk of SIDS, keeping soft bedding out of the crib prevents suffocation, and tummy time is beneficial for the baby's development when they are awake.