A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client. Exhibits For each potential provider's prescription, click to specify if the potential prescription is anticipated, nonessential, or contraindicated for the client.

Administer an iron supplement: The client has lab findings and symptoms consistent with iron deficiency anemia, including low hemoglobin (8 g/dL), low hematocrit (24%), and low ferritin (8 ng/mL). An iron supplement is essential to correct the deficiency and restore adequate oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood. Restrict fluid intake: There is no evidence of fluid overload, hyponatremia, or heart failure in this client. Fluid restriction may worsen orthostatic hypotension by reducing circulating volume and is inappropriate in anemia and tachycardia. Place the client on a low sodium diet: The client’s blood pressure is within normal limits and there are no signs of hypertension or fluid retention. A low sodium diet may be beneficial in some chronic diseases, but it is not relevant or essential to this client’s current issues. Refer for a nutritional consult: The client follows a vegan diet and has both iron and borderline low vitamin B12 levels. A referral to a nutritionist will help ensure they are educated on how to meet their micronutrient needs, including iron and B12, through appropriate dietary sources and supplementation.