A nurse in a pediatric clinic is caring for a child who has iron deficiency anemia and a new prescription for ferrous sulfate tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide the parents regarding the administration of this medication?

Choice A: This instruction is correct, as iron supplements can cause a change in the color and consistency of stools, making them dark, green, or black. This is not a sign of bleeding or infection, but a normal side effect of iron therapy. The parents should be informed of this possibility and reassured that it is harmless.

Choice B: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be administered at bedtime, but rather one hour before or two hours after meals. This is because iron absorption is reduced by food, especially dairy products, antacids, or calcium supplements. The parents should be instructed to give the medication on an empty stomach or with a small amount of food if it causes nausea.

Choice C: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be given with milk, as milk contains calcium, which can interfere with iron absorption and reduce its effectiveness. The parents should be instructed to avoid giving milk or other dairy products within two hours of the medication.

Choice D: This instruction is incorrect, as iron supplements should not be administered at mealtimes, but rather one hour before or two hours after meals. This is because iron absorption is reduced by food, especially dairy products, antacids, or calcium supplements. The parents should be instructed to give the medication on an empty stomach or with a small amount of food if it causes nausea.

Choice A: Toys that can't be dry cleaned or washed do not need to be thrown out, as they can be treated by sealing them in plastic bags for two weeks or placing them in a freezer for two days. This will kill any lice or nits that may have been transferred from the child's head.

Choice B: Nits will not always be present, as they can be removed by using a fine-toothed comb or applying products that loosen their attachment to the hair shafts. Nits are the eggs of lice that are glued to the hair near the scalp. Nits can hatch into nymphs within seven to ten days and mature into adult lice within another seven to ten days.

Choice C: All recently used clothing, bedding, and towels must be washed in hot water, as this will kill any lice or nits that may have been transferred from the child's head. Hot water means at least 54°C/130°F for at least ten minutes. The items should also be dried in high heat for at least twenty minutes.

Choice D: Treating all the family members is not necessary, as only those who have evidence of lice or nits should be treated with medicated shampoos or lotions that kill lice and prevent re-infestation. Treating all the family members may cause unnecessary exposure to chemicals or resistance to treatment.