A patient has been receiving iron replacement therapy for 2 days after hip replacement surgery. The provider is alerted to the following assessment data: Patient's stools appear black.
Patient is pale and reports feeling tired.
Patient's heart rate is 98 beats/minute, respirations are 20 breaths/minute, and the blood pressure is 100/50 mm Hg.
What order will the provider take initially to best assure appropriate care for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The initial step in assessing a patient with these symptoms, especially after starting iron therapy, is to check the hemoglobin and hematocrit (H&H) levels. This will help determine if the patient's symptoms are due to anemia or blood loss. Iron supplements can cause black stools, which might not necessarily indicate bleeding. The patient's symptoms could be related to anemia (pale appearance, feeling tired), and the H&H will provide direct information on the patient's blood status.

A Patient Has Been Receiving Iron Replacement Therapy for 2