QUESTION: "When explaining to a pregnant client about the need to take supplemental vitamins with iron during her pregnancy, the nurse would instruct the client to take the iron with which of the following to promote maximum absorption?"
CHOICES
( X ) a.) Milk.
( X ) b.) Tea.
( X ) c.) Hot chocolate.
( O ) d.) Orange juice.
RATIONALE: Absorption of supplemental iron and nonmeat sources of iron is enhanced by combining them with meat or a good source of vitamin C. An acidic environment enhances iron absorption. Therefore, taking the iron on an empty stomach or with orange juice would be most effective. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, the client may take the drug with meals. However, doing so reduces iron absorption by 40% to 50%. Because milk interferes with the absorption of iron, the client should avoid taking the iron with milk. Tea has been shown to interfere with the absorption of iron. Therefore, the client should avoid taking the iron with tea. Hot chocolate, a milk product, interferes with iron absorption. Thus, the client should avoid taking the iron with hot chocolate. NURSING PROCESS STEP: Implementation CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Basic care and comfort
