A mother of a premature infant asks the nurse about the baby's need for supplemental iron.What is the nurse's best response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Iron stores are developed during the third trimester of pregnancy, so premature infants may not have had enough time to develop adequate stores. Therefore, they require supplemental iron. Option B is incorrect because not all infants require iron supplements, only those who have insufficient stores. Option C is incorrect because while preterm infants do require additional nutrients for growth, the main reason for iron supplementation is to replenish inadequate stores. Option D is incorrect because preterm infants do not have decreased ability to synthesize iron, but rather inadequate stores due to premature birth.

A Mother of a Premature Infant Asks the Nurse About