Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 79%
Simulated
The nurse receives the following order: 'Ferrous sulfate 325 mg four times a day PO. Give on empty stomach.' Even before researching, the nurse guesses that this is because the medication:
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Iron absorption is enhanced on an empty stomach because food can form insoluble complexes with iron, reducing bioavailability. Ferrous sulfate is not destroyed by stomach acid (acid aids absorption), and while constipation and gastric irritation are side effects, they are not the primary reason for the administration instruction.