Question

Nurse is providing teaching to a patient who has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate. The nurse should instruct the patient to take the medication with which of the following to promote absorption?

A) Coffee
B) Orange juice
C) Milk
D) Carbonated soda

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the patient to take ferrous sulfate with orange juice to enhance its absorption, as vitamin C in the juice promotes iron absorption by reducing it to a more soluble form.

Step-by-step explanation:

To promote absorption of ferrous sulfate, a common iron supplement, the nurse should recommend that the patient take the medication with orange juice. Orange juice contains ascorbic acid, which is also known as vitamin C. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption by creating an acidic environment in the gastrointestinal tract and by reducing ferric iron (Fe³⁺) to ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), which is more soluble and more easily absorbed in the duodenum and the proximal jejunum. In contrast, substances like coffee, milk, and carbonated sodas can inhibit iron absorption. Coffee contains polyphenols, and milk, being rich in calcium, binds to iron and can inhibit its absorption, whereas the phosphates in carbonated sodas can do the same.