North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What type of monitoring is essential for a pregnant woman with iron deficiency anemia?

1. Fetal heart rate monitoring

2. Blood pressure monitoring

3. Hemoglobin level monitoring

4. Urinary analysis monitoring

The correct answer is: Hemoglobin level monitoring

Monitoring hemoglobin levels is essential for a pregnant woman with iron deficiency anemia because hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. In cases of iron deficiency anemia, the body lacks sufficient iron to produce adequate hemoglobin, which can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to both the mother and the fetus. Tracking hemoglobin levels allows healthcare providers to assess the severity of anemia, determine the effectiveness of treatment (such as iron supplementation), and make timely interventions to reduce the risk of complications such as preterm birth or low birth weight. While monitoring fetal heart rate is important in assessing fetal well-being, it does not directly address the maternal condition of iron deficiency anemia. Blood pressure monitoring is vital for evaluating conditions like preeclampsia, and urinary analysis is useful for detecting urinary tract infections or kidney issues, but they do not specifically relate to the anemia itself. Therefore, focusing on hemoglobin levels is crucial for managing the health of both the mother and the baby in the context of iron deficiency anemia.