The nurse has provided medication instructions to a client with an iron deficiency anemia who will be taking iron supplements. Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of this medication?
1. "I need to increase my fluid intake."2. "I should eliminate fiber foods from my diet."3. "I need to take the medication with water before a meal."4. "I should be sure to chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing it."
Iron medications can cause irritation in the stomach and dosctors recommend to take them between meals. They are also associated with constipation and thus the client should increase fluids and fiber in the diet to counteract this side effect. Third, iron medications should be taken with a substance that is high in vitamin C to increase its absorption. And last the tablet is swallowed whole and not chewed.
