Final answer:
The nurse should report to obtain a prescription for ferrous iron supplementation due to suspected anemia, as iron is crucial for oxygen transport and cellular respiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should report the findings to the provider to obtain a prescription for ferrous iron supplementation because of suspected anemia. Anemia is often a result of iron deficiency, which can occur due to a defect in hemoglobin synthesis and malabsorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment of iron deficiency anemia commonly includes oral iron therapy, using preparations such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous gluconate. It's crucial to address this issue as iron functions mainly in the transport of oxygen to tissues and is also involved in the process of cellular respiration, being an essential component of hemoglobin and various enzyme systems.