The nurse is providing nutritional counseling for a postpartum patient with a hemoglobin of 8.0. ...

3
Rationale 1: Iron supplements are indicated with anemia. This patient's hemoglobin level is 8.0; lower than 10 is considered anemia during pregnancy. Taking iron supplements will increase hemoglobin.
Rationale 2: Anemia requires additional iron. Many foods, such as red meat, will provide iron. Increasing iron-rich foods will improve anemia.
Rationale 3: Milk does not contain iron; it contains calcium. Increased calcium intake will not increase hemoglobin levels. Further, iron should not be taken with milk, as the iron will not be absorbed.
Rationale 4: Hemoglobin carries oxygen; when the hemoglobin level is low, the muscles are not adequately oxygenated, especially during activity, and fatigue results.