Question

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Stools will be dark red.
B. Take with a glass of milk if GI distress occurs
C. Foods high in Vitamin C will promote absorption.
D. Take for 14 days.

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the client that ferrous sulfate absorption is enhanced by foods high in Vitamin C, contrary to the options suggesting dark red stools, taking it with milk, or a 14-day treatment period.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate. Of the options provided, the correct information to include in the teaching is that foods high in Vitamin C will promote absorption, as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) helps to convert ferric iron into ferrous iron which is more soluble and can be absorbed more easily in the acidic environment of the stomach. This is critical for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia.

Option A, stating that stools will be dark red, is incorrect; it is more common for stools to appear a dark black or tarry color when taking iron supplements. Option B, suggesting taking iron with a glass of milk, should be avoided as calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron. Option D, stating to take the medication for 14 days, is incorrect as the duration of therapy for iron supplementation depends on the individual's iron levels and should be determined by a healthcare provider.