Clients who take iron preparations should be warned of the possible side effects, which might...

Oral iron preparations are often used to treat clients who have iron deficiency anemia to regain a positive iron

balance. These preparations need to be supplemented with adequate dietary intake of iron. It can take 2–3 weeks

to see improvement and up to 6–10 months to return to a stable iron level after a deficiency exists. The most

common adverse effects associated with oral iron intake are related to direct GI upset, anorexia, nausea, vomiting,

diarrhea, dark stools, and constipation. Nursing comfort measures include taking the preparations with meals,

teaching about black stools, encouragement, and proper nutrition.Physiological Adaptation