Final answer:
For alpha thalassemia minor, primary care should focus on genetic counseling before pregnancy, periodic hemoglobin electrophoresis to monitor the disease, and possibly folate supplementation, but not routine iron supplementation unless iron deficiency is present.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary care of a person with alpha thalassemia minor should not include routine iron supplementation unless iron deficiency is present. Iron overload can be a problem in thalassemia, so it's important not to use iron supplements unless they are necessary. Instead, the focus should be on (b) Offering genetic counseling prior to pregnancy, as thalassemia minor is a genetic condition that can be passed to offspring. Therefore, understanding the genetics and risks should be a priority for patients considering starting a family. (c) Periodic evaluation of hemoglobin electrophoresis is also important to monitor the condition and ensure proper management. Finally, (d) Folate supplementation may be beneficial, since folate is needed for the production of red blood cells, and its deficiency can exacerbate the anemic state in thalassemia patients. However, (a) Routine iron supplementation is not recommended unless there's a proven iron deficiency, which should be determined by a doctor through appropriate testing.