A 4-week pregnant woman comes to the Gynae OPD and her blood report shows a hemoglobin of 12.5 gm/dL. According to the Anemia Mukt Bharat program, which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate?

Appeared in: NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

Explanation

The patient's hemoglobin level of 12.5 gm/dL is above the 11 gm/dL cutoff for anemia in pregnancy, classifying her as non-anemic.
The Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) program mandates prophylactic Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation for all pregnant women to prevent anemia.
The standard prophylactic dose under AMB is one tablet containing 60 mg of elemental iron and 500 mcg of folic acid taken daily.
Supplementation is crucial to meet the increased iron demands during pregnancy, supporting fetal growth and expanding maternal red blood cell mass.

Option A: This is incorrect because the physiological demands of pregnancy increase iron requirements significantly. Prophylactic supplementation is a standard preventive measure for all pregnant women under national health programs to prevent the development of anemia.
Option C: This dose (100 mg elemental iron) corresponds to the previous National Nutritional Anemia Control Programme (NNACP). The Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) guidelines updated and revised this dose to 60 mg to enhance compliance by reducing side effects.
Option D: Two tablets daily, providing 120 mg of elemental iron, is the therapeutic dose prescribed for treating pregnant women who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate anemia (Hb 7-10.9 gm/dL). This patient is non-anemic and only requires a prophylactic dose.

Visual 1: Table - A clear table comparing the prophylactic and therapeutic IFA dosages for pregnant women under the Anemia Mukt Bharat program, categorized by hemoglobin levels (Non-anemic, Mild/Moderate Anemia, Severe Anemia).
Visual 2: Infographic - An infographic showing the timeline of recommended supplements during pregnancy, highlighting folic acid in the first trimester and the addition of iron from the second trimester onwards.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Prophylactic iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation for pregnant women under the Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) program to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Preventing maternal anemia is a critical nursing responsibility as it is linked to adverse outcomes like preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Patient education is key. Nurses must counsel women on the importance of adherence, managing side effects (like constipation or dark stools), and taking IFA tablets with vitamin C-rich foods to enhance absorption, while avoiding tea or coffee around the same time.
What if the patient's hemoglobin was 10.5 gm/dL? The intervention would change. She would be classified as having mild anemia, and the nurse should advise the therapeutic dose of two tablets daily (one in the morning, one in the evening).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key clinical data: the patient is pregnant (4 weeks) and her hemoglobin is 12.5 gm/dL.
Next, recall the specific context mentioned: the 'Anemia Mukt Bharat program'. This indicates you must apply the rules of this specific national guideline.
Compare the patient's hemoglobin (12.5 gm/dL) to the program's cutoff for anemia in pregnancy (less than 11 gm/dL). This classifies the patient as non-anemic.
Recall the AMB intervention for a non-anemic pregnant woman. The guideline is prophylactic supplementation, not no treatment or therapeutic treatment.
Select the option that matches the correct prophylactic dose (60 mg elemental iron & 500 mcg FA, one tablet daily).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Prophylactic iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation for pregnant women under the Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) program.
Stem keywords: 4-week pregnant, hemoglobin, 12.5 gm/dL, Anemia Mukt Bharat program
Lead-in keywords: most appropriate
Clinical cues: Hemoglobin of 12.5 gm/dL indicates the patient is not anemic, guiding the intervention towards prophylaxis rather than treatment.

QkD2m1t65gvWXLOICZva48

Practise the full NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.