Question

The nurse is teaching a client with undernutrition about a newly prescribed iron supplement. What information should the nurse include when instructing the client about this supplement?

1) Explain how the supplement can cause constipation
2) Explain the need to increase fiber in the diet
3) Expect the stool to turn black
4) Remind the client to ingest adequate amounts of fluid each day
5) Suggest that the client avoid ingesting citrus fruits with the supplement

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the client taking an iron supplement to manage potential constipation with fiber and fluids, expect black stools as a side effect, and combine the supplement with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits to enhance absorption instead of avoiding them. A balanced diet is crucial for optimal iron absorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is teaching a client with undernutrition about a newly prescribed iron supplement, there are several key points to include:

• Iron supplements can cause constipation; therefore, it's important to manage this potential side effect.
• Adequate fiber intake can help alleviate constipation. Foods like green leafy vegetables not only prevent constipation by acting as roughage but also provide iron and essential vitamins such as vitamin A and folic acid.
• The client should expect their stool to turn black; this is a common side effect and not harmful.
• Reminding the client to consume plenty of fluids every day can help with both iron absorption and reducing constipation.
• Citrus fruits enhance iron absorption; therefore, it is recommended to combine them with the supplement instead of avoiding them.

It's important to balance the diet for improved iron absorption, which can be inhibited by certain dietary components like phytates, phosphate, phytic acid, and oxalic acid, but enhanced by vitamin C intake and certain proteins. Good sources of dietary iron include shellfish, red meats, seeds, nuts, legumes, and fortified breakfast cereals.