A patient tells a nurse that she is thinking about getting ...

[jwb375]

A patient tells a nurse that she is thinking about getting pregnant and asks about nutritional supplements. What will the nurse recommend?
 
  a. A balanced diet high in green vegetables and grains
  b. 400 to 800 mg of folic acid per day
  c. A multivitamin with iron
  d. Vitamin B12 supplements

Question 2

What are the indications for administration of a parenteral iron preparation? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Blood loss of 750 mL/week
  b. Celiac disease with anemia
  c. History of alcoholism
  d. Intestinal disease impairing absorption
  e. Megaloblastic anemia

[karmakat49]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The current recommendation is that all women of childbearing age receive folic acid supplementation to prevent the development of neural tube defects that can occur early in pregnancy. Dietary folic acid is not sufficient to provide this amount. Iron supplements are given when pregnancy occurs and are not necessary before becoming pregnant. Vitamin B12 supplements are not recommended.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, D
Patients who have lost 750 mL/week of iron cannot absorb enough oral iron, so parenteral iron is indicated for these patients. Patients with celiac disease or other diseases that impair iron absorption must receive parenteral iron. Patients with a history of alcoholism are generally deficient in folic acid. Megaloblastic anemia is a symptom of vitamin B12 and/or folic acid deficiency.