Patient Education
Scenario: A 45-year-old patient diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia is prescribed oral ferrous sulfate. During your discharge teaching, the patient expresses concern about potential side effects.
Question: Which of the following instructions would be most important for the nurse to include in patient education regarding common side effects of oral iron supplements?
A) "Expect your urine to turn a bright orange color, this is normal."
B) "You may experience severe nausea and vomiting; report this immediately."
C) "Constipation and dark, tarry stools are common; increasing fluid and fiber intake can help manage constipation."
D) "Take the medication with milk to prevent gastrointestinal upset."
C) "Constipation and dark, tarry stools are common. increasing fluid and fiber intake can help manage constipation."
Rationale: Ferrous sulfate (iron) often causes gastrointestinal side effects, with constipation and dark-colored stools being very common and expected. The dark stools are due to unabsorbed iron and are not a sign of bleeding.
Increasing fluid and fiber intake helps prevent or manage constipation. Options A is for Pyridium and B are incorrect side effects or exaggerate their severity. Option D is incorrect as calcium in milk can inhibit iron absorption.
Scenario: A nursing student is educating a patient about their new prescription for an oral iron supplement.
Question: Which of the following foods or beverages should the nurse prioritize in advising the patient to avoid taking at the same time with their iron supplement to ensure optimal absorption?
A) Orange Juice
B) A large serving of spinach
C) Milk or Calcium supplements
D) Red Meat
C) Milk or Calcium supplements
Rationale: Option A: Orange juice (Vitamin C) actually enhances iron absorption. D) Red meat is a good dietary source of iron. B) Spinach contains oxalates that can moderately inhibit absorption. However, option C) calcium is a more significant inhibitor that needs to be brought up to the patient immediately