A 68-year-old patient with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding presents with fatigue and pallor. Lab results show low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?

A. Starting iron supplementation immediately is premature before determining the cause of anemia. While iron deficiency can result from chronic blood loss, supplementation should only begin after confirming the source and type of anemia to avoid masking underlying issues or giving unnecessary treatment. B. Checking stools for occult blood is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention. This assessment helps determine if there is ongoing gastrointestinal bleeding contributing to the anemia. Identifying the bleeding source is crucial for targeted treatment and prevention of further blood loss. C. Administering vitamin B12 injections is appropriate for pernicious anemia or B12 deficiency but not for anemia due to gastrointestinal bleeding. This would not address the patient’s current problem. D. Encouraging increased dietary intake of iron-rich foods supports long-term management of iron deficiency but is not the priority in the acute phase. The immediate goal is to determine if active bleeding is present and to prevent further blood loss.