The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who has been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Which of the following should the nurse recommend to improve iron absorption?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Take iron supplements with a vitamin C source, such as orange juice. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption by converting non-heme iron (plant-based) into a more absorbable form. This combination increases the bioavailability of iron. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. A: Taking iron supplements with milk can decrease iron absorption due to calcium and casein in milk inhibiting iron absorption. C: Calcium-rich foods can inhibit iron absorption when taken together. D: Coffee and tea contain tannins that can inhibit iron absorption.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Elevate the legs and avoid prolonged periods of standing. Elevating the legs helps improve circulation and reduces pressure on the veins, which can help alleviate varicose veins. Prolonged standing can worsen varicose veins by increasing pressure on the lower extremities. A: Wearing tight compression stockings can further constrict blood flow and should be avoided. C: Massaging the affected area may not be recommended as it can potentially increase the risk of blood clots in pregnant women. D: Applying ice packs is not recommended for varicose veins as it may not effectively address the underlying issue of poor circulation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because administering antibiotics is crucial in treating a urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy to prevent complications such as preterm labor or kidney infection. Antibiotics are necessary to eradicate the infection and ensure the health of both the mother and the baby. Encouraging the patient to drink cranberry juice (B) may help prevent UTIs but is not sufficient treatment for an existing infection. Teaching the patient to practice good hand hygiene (C) is important for general infection prevention but does not directly address the UTI. Performing a bladder scan (D) to check for residual urine is not a priority in this case as the focus should be on treating the infection first.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assess the bleeding and notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is the priority action because vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can indicate serious complications such as placental abruption or preterm labor. By assessing the bleeding, the nurse can determine the severity and nature of the bleeding to provide crucial information to the healthcare provider for prompt intervention. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately ensures timely assessment and appropriate management to protect the health and well-being of both the mother and fetus. Encouraging rest (choice A) may be appropriate, but assessing the bleeding and notifying the healthcare provider take precedence. Monitoring fetal heart rate (choice B) is important but secondary to assessing the bleeding. Instructing the patient to use a sanitary pad (choice D) is not sufficient to address the potential underlying causes of vaginal bleeding.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage the patient to sit up and rest in a more upright position. This is the priority action because it helps relieve pressure on the diaphragm and allows for better lung expansion, improving oxygenation for the pregnant patient experiencing shortness of breath. Sitting upright also reduces the risk of supine hypotensive syndrome by improving blood flow to the placenta. Assessing respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (Choice A) may be important but should come after the patient is in a more comfortable position. Deep breathing exercises (Choice C) may not address the immediate relief needed for the patient. Instructing the patient to take shallow breaths (Choice D) may worsen the situation by limiting oxygen intake and exacerbating respiratory distress.