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 gastrointestinal distress occurs.
c foods high in vitamin c will promote absorption.
d take for 14 days.

Explanation:

• Option A: Ferrous sulfate causes stools to be dark - green or black, not dark - red.
• Option B: Milk inhibits the absorption of iron (ferrous sulfate). It should not be taken with milk even if there is gastrointestinal distress. Antacids or food (not milk) can be considered to reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
• Option C: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) reduces iron to its ferrous state (\(Fe^{2 +}\)), which is more easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. So, foods high in vitamin C promote iron absorption.
• Option D: The treatment course for iron deficiency (the common indication for ferrous sulfate) is usually several months (not 14 days). It takes time to replenish iron stores.

Answer:

C. Foods high in vitamin C will promote absorption.