The nurse is reinforcing teaching with a group of caregivers of children diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. One of the careg
ivers tells the group, "I give my child ferrous sulfate." Which statement made by the caregivers is correct regarding giving ferrous sulfate? A) "When I give my son ferrous sulfate I know he also needs potassium supplements."B) "I always give the ferrous sulfate with meals."C) "My husband gives our daughter orange juice when she takes her ferrous sulfate, so she gets Vitamin C."D) "We watch closely for any diarrhea since that usually happens when he takes ferrous sulfate."
When ferrous sulfate is administered, it should be given between meals with juice (preferably orange juice, because vitamin C aids in iron absorption). For best results, iron should not be given with meals. Ferrous sulfate can cause constipation or turn the child's stools black.
