Editing Pharmacology – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 5==
A client receiving oral ferrous sulfate asks why the stools have turned black. What is the nurse's best response?
# "This is an expected effect of iron and is not harmful."
# "This means you are bleeding in your stomach and I will call the provider now."
# "You should stop the iron immediately."
# "This means the iron is not being absorbed."

'''Answer:''' 1 (A) "This is an expected effect of iron and is not harmful."

''Rationale:'' Dark or black stools are an expected, harmless effect of oral iron therapy. Constipation is also common, so fluids and fiber are encouraged, and taking iron with a source of vitamin C improves absorption. Option 2 confuses this with melena from gastrointestinal bleeding; melena is tarry and foul smelling and is usually accompanied by other findings, and the nurse would report any concerning change. Options 3 and 4 are incorrect and would interrupt needed therapy.