The nurse is teaching the parents of a client with iron deficiency anemia about administering a liquid oral iron supplement. Which statement by the parents indicates that teaching was successful?
“We will give it with food to decrease stomach upset.”
“We will mix the iron with a milkshake so it will taste better.”
Number 1 is correct.
Iron stains the teeth and should be given through a straw or by placing a medicine dropper in the back of the mouth. The child or parent should brush or wipe the teeth to prevent staining. Iron should be given on an empty stomach between meals to maximize absorption. Iron should not be mixed with food before administering.
