Hesi Pharmacology exam 2
Hesi Pharmacology exam 2 ( 36 Questions)
An older adult with iron deficiency anemia is being discharged with a prescription for ferrous sulfate enteric-coated tablets. To promote best absorption of the medication, which information should the nurse include in the discharge instructions?
Taking ferrous sulfate at bedtime does not have a significant impact on its absorption. The critical factor is to take it on an empty stomach to maximize absorption, not necessarily at a specific time of day.
Enteric-coated tablets are specifically designed to dissolve in the small intestine and not in the stomach. Crushing them would destroy the enteric coating, leading to iron being released in the stomach, which can cause gastric irritation and reduce iron absorption.
Iron absorption is influenced by food intake. Taking ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) enhances its absorption. When taken with food, especially foods containing calcium, the absorption of iron can be significantly
reduced. Therefore, it is essential to instruct the client to wait at least 2 hours after meals before taking the enteric-coated tablets to optimize iron absorption.
Taking ferrous sulfate with a multivitamin may not be ideal for iron absorption. Some multivitamins contain calcium or other minerals that can inhibit iron absorption. To maximize iron absorption, it is best to take ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach, as mentioned in option C.
Choice A rationale; Taking ferrous sulfate at bedtime does not have a significant impact on its absorption. The critical factor is to take it on an empty stomach to maximize absorption, not necessarily at a specific time of day.
Choice B rationale: Enteric-coated tablets are specifically designed to dissolve in the small intestine and not in the stomach. Crushing them would destroy the enteric coating, leading to iron being released in the stomach, which can cause gastric irritation and reduce iron absorption.
Choice C rationale: Iron absorption is influenced by food intake. Taking ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) enhances its absorption. When taken with food, especially foods containing calcium, the absorption of iron can be significantly
reduced. Therefore, it is essential to instruct the client to wait at least 2 hours after meals before taking the enteric-coated tablets to optimize iron absorption.
Choice D rationale: Taking ferrous sulfate with a multivitamin may not be ideal for iron absorption. Some multivitamins contain calcium or other minerals that can inhibit iron absorption. To maximize iron absorption, it is best to take ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach, as mentioned in option C.
