A patient has recently started ferrous sulfate 500 mg by mouth two times per day for anemia. Which of the following data would indicate to the nurse that the therapy is successful?

Choice A reason: Cucumbers are not a good source of iron for the client with iron-deficiency anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the red blood cells. Cucumbers are mostly water and have very little iron content. The client should eat foods that are rich in iron, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and leafy green vegetables.

Choice B reason: Bran is not a good source of iron for the client with iron-deficiency anemia. Bran is the outer layer of cereal grains that contains fiber and some minerals, but not much iron. Bran can also interfere with the absorption of iron from other foods by binding to it and preventing it from entering the bloodstream. The client should avoid eating bran or other foods that contain phytates, oxalates, or tannins, which can reduce the bioavailability of iron.

Choice C reason: Celery is not a good source of iron for the client with iron-deficiency anemia. Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that has some vitamins and minerals, but very little iron. Celery also has a high water content and can fill up the stomach without providing much nutrition. The client should eat foods that are high in iron, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and leafy green vegetables.

Choice D reason: This is the correct answer. Spinach is a good source of iron for the client with iron-deficiency anemia. Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that has a high iron content and can help increase the hemoglobin level and the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Spinach also has other nutrients, such as vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants, that can benefit the health of the client. The client should eat spinach and other foods that are high in iron, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and leafy green vegetables.

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer. Stool for occult blood is a diagnostic test that detects the presence of hidden blood in the feces. This can indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which is the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the red blood cells.

Choice B reason: Vitamin B12 level is not the diagnostic test that is used to detect the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin B12 level is a blood test that measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the body. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause pernicious anemia, a type of megaloblastic anemia where the red blood cells are large and immature.

Choice C reason: Schilling's test is not the diagnostic test that is used to detect the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Schilling's test is a urine test that evaluates the absorption of vitamin B12 in the body. It involves giving the client an oral dose of radioactive vitamin B12 and an intramuscular injection of non-radioactive vitamin B12. The urine is then collected and measured for the amount of radioactive vitamin B12. Schilling's test can help diagnose pernicious anemia and other causes of vitamin B12 malabsorption.

Choice D reason: Bone marrow aspiration study is not the diagnostic test that is used to detect the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Bone marrow aspiration study is a procedure that involves taking a sample of bone marrow from the hip or sternum and examining it under a microscope. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside the bones that produces blood cells. Bone marrow aspiration study can help diagnose various blood disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and aplastic anemia.