Before administering an iron preparation, what should the nurse assess?

A) Red blood cell count (RBC)
B) Hematocrit and hemoglobin
C) Aspartate aminotransferase levels
D) Serum creatinine levels


B
Feedback:
Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels should be assessed before administration because the drug will be evaluated for effectiveness by the response of these levels to drug treatment. These levels are also used to determine dosage. Counting RBCs would indicate the number of blood cells per cubic millimeter but not iron or oxygen content. Aspartate aminotransferase levels are associated with liver function and serum creatinine levels are associated with renal function.

Nursing

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When the novice nurse asks, "What will happen if this task is not completed," which skill is being demonstrated?

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The nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a 76-year-old patient with hypertension. Which guideline should be used when following physician orders to treat elevated blood pressure?

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