A parent tells a nurse that her toddler drinks a quart of milk a day and has a poor appetite for solid foods. The nurse should explain that the toddler is at risk for which of the following disorders?

Iron deficiency anemia is the correct answer because excessive milk consumption can interfere with the absorption of iron from solid foods, leading to a deficiency. Milk is low in iron and excessive intake can displace iron-rich foods in the toddler's diet. This can result in anemia, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness, and pallor. Choice B, diabetes mellitus, is not directly related to excessive milk consumption. Choice C, rickets, is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D and not directly related to milk consumption. Choice D, obesity, is more commonly associated with excessive intake of high-calorie foods rather than milk consumption.