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A patient has increased total iron binding capacity and transferrin levels. What action by the nurse is best? a.Prepare to administer vitamin B12. b.Encourage the patient to eat protein. c.Ensure the patient gets sun exposure. d.Prepare the patient for chelating therapy.

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Final answer:

High TIBC and transferrin levels suggest the body's increased ability to bind and transport iron due to iron deficiency. A nurse, therefore, should encourage the patient to consume more iron-rich protein to meet this demand.

Step-by-step explanation:

An increased Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and transferrin levels in a patient suggest that the body has a high capacity for binding and transporting iron, possibly due to iron deficiency. When this happens, the body responds by producing more transferrin, a protein that binds to iron and transports it in the blood. So, the best action by a nurse in this situation would be to encourage the patient to eat protein (option b), through which the patient can get more iron and try to meet the demand indicated by high TIBC and transferrin levels.

Chelating therapy (option d) is usually indicated for treating excess iron in the body, not deficiency. Hence, preparation for chelating therapy wouldn't be the best course of action in this situation.

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