Question

The nurse is caring for a child with iron deficiency anemia. The physician has ordered ferrous fumarate 3 mg/kg/day in one or two divided doses. This tells the nurse which of the following?

A) The child requires a prophylactic dose of iron.
B) The child has mild to moderate iron deficiency.
C) The child has severe iron deficiency.
D) The child is being prepared for packed red blood cell administration.

Answer 1

The prescription of ferrous fumarate at 3 mg/kg/day to a child with iron deficiency anemia suggests that the child has mild to moderate iron deficiency. This oral iron therapy is typical for treating non-severe cases and aims to improve hemoglobin levels and overall health.

Step-by-step explanation:

The physician’s prescription of ferrous fumarate at a dosage of 3 mg/kg/day in one or two divided doses for a child with iron deficiency anemia suggests that the child has mild to moderate iron deficiency. Such an oral iron therapy is a standard treatment to replenish iron stores and improve hemoglobin levels. Iron deficiency in children can lead to symptoms such as pallor, poor appetite, and inhibited growth, hence the proper dosage is crucial for recovery. It is important to note that if the child's anemia were severe, treatment might involve higher doses or different forms of iron supplementation, possibly including intravenous methods.

The optimal absorption of dietary iron is less than 10%, and special considerations are made for vegetarians due to phytates in cereals which make iron less absorbable. Infants and children absorb more iron compared to adults, and iron-deficient children absorb approximately twice as much as normal children do. To ensure the best absorption of iron supplements, it is beneficial to administer them with foods rich in vitamin C, which enhances iron uptake.