The clinic nurse is caring for several clients during well-child visits. The nurse should recognize which client as being the most at risk for anemia?

Question

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Iron deficiency during infancy causes reduced hemoglobin production, resulting in anemia, decreased immune function, and delayed growth and development. During gestation, the fetus stores iron received from the mother; the amount of iron stored is dependent on the length of gestation. After birth, iron stores are progressively depleted and nutritional sources of iron are eventually required. Infants born at preterm gestation have less time in utero to accumulate iron. Preterm infants typically deplete iron stores by age 2-3 months and require additional iron supplementation (eg, oral iron drops, iron-fortified formula). Therefore, a 3-month-old infant born at preterm gestation who is exclusively receiving breastmilk is most at risk for anemia (Option C). (Options A and D) Infants born at term gestation have sufficient iron stores for the first 4-6 months of life. However, infants receiving exclusively breastmilk require iron supplementation (eg, oral iron drops) around age 4 months until food sources of iron (eg, iron-fortified infant cereal) are adequate around age 6 months. (Option B) Although this client is at risk for anemia due to preterm gestation, the risk decreases due to intake of iron-fortified formula. The iron content of most infant formulas is adequate for the first 12 months of life. Educational objective: During gestation, the amount of iron a fetus stores is dependent on the length of gestation. Infants born at preterm gestation have lower iron stores at birth and are at an increased risk for iron-deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation (eg, oral iron drops, iron-fortified formula) is usually needed by preterm infants at an earlier age (2-3 months).

The Clinic Nurse Is Caring for Several Clients During Well-Child