Question

The nurse is caring for a patient with microcytic, hypochromic anemia. What teaching should the nurse provide that would be beneficial to the patient?

A. Take enteric-coated iron with each meal.
B. Take cobalamin with green leafy vegetables.
C. Take the iron with orange juice one hour before meals.
D. Decrease the intake of the antiseizure medications to improve.

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the patient with microcytic, hypochromic anemia to take iron with orange juice one hour before meals, as this can enhance the absorption of iron. Additionally, including green leafy vegetables in the diet can provide important nutrients supportive of hemoglobin synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should provide teaching that benefits a patient with microcytic, hypochromic anemia. The most suitable recommendation for this type of anemia is option C: Take the iron with orange juice one hour before meals. This approach increases iron absorption due to the vitamin C in the orange juice and because taking iron on an empty stomach can further enhance absorption. Additionally, patients should be informed that iron supplements are best absorbed when not taken with meals, as certain foods can inhibit absorption. While iron is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin, it is also important to note that conditions like achlorhydria, copper deficiency, and excessive consumption of antiseizure medications can decrease iron absorption, whereas alcohol can increase it. A diet including green leafy vegetables may also be beneficial due to their content of vitamins A, folic acid, and fiber.