Question

a nurse is teaching a client about taking ferrous sulfate to treat iron - deficiency anemia. which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (select all that apply.)
□ eat iron - enriched foods.
□ spread the dosage across each day.
□ take the medication on an empty stomach.
□ report dark green or black stools.
□ increase dietary fiber intake.

Explanation:

1. Eat iron - enriched foods: Combining iron supplements with iron - rich foods can enhance iron intake for treating anemia, so this is a correct instruction.
2. Spread the dosage across each day: Spreading the iron dosage throughout the day can improve absorption and reduce side effects, so this is appropriate.
3. Take the medication on an empty stomach: Iron is better absorbed on an empty stomach (though it may cause GI upset, but it's a valid instruction for absorption).
4. Report dark green or black stools: Dark stools from iron are normal, so reporting them is not necessary (this is incorrect).
5. Increase dietary fiber intake: Iron supplements can cause constipation, so increasing fiber helps prevent that, making this a correct instruction.

Answer:

A. Eat iron - enriched foods
B. Spread the dosage across each day
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach
E. Increase dietary fiber intake