While working for a neurologist who is assessing a patient experiencing restless legs syndrome (RLS), the nurse should be prepared to answer the question about why the patient needs to have his iron level drawn?

Question

The nurse response should include,
A)
"Many of the drugs we give for RLS can cause drastic decreases in your iron level."
B)
"Many patients with RLS also have an iron deficiency anemia as well."
C)
"You just look a little pale, and so we want to make sure you have normal blood levels."
D)
"People with low iron levels do not have enough oxygen circulating to their legs."

Answer 1

Ans:
B

Feedback:

RLS may be a symptom of iron deficiency, so the patient should undergo testing for serum ferritin and iron saturation levels. Iron deficiency is frequently present in the absence of anemia. Answer choice A is incorrect since one of the ways RLS is treated is by administering medication to correct the iron deficiency. Answer choice C is a common sign of anemia. Answer choice D is incorrect since the number of RBCs will decrease the oxygen carrying capacity to the body, not iron levels. Low iron levels can be caused by infection, cancer, chronic blood loss, or dietary deficiencies to name a few.