A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a child who has iron deficiency anemia and is taking iron supplements. Which of the following statements by the parents indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. Administering one large daily dose of iron is not recommended. Dividing the total daily dose into smaller doses helps improve absorption and reduces gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, nausea, or stomach upset. B. Routine blood count monitoring is essential to evaluate the child’s response to iron therapy. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are typically reassessed after several weeks of treatment to ensure that the supplement is effectively correcting the anemia and to adjust the dosage if necessary. This statement demonstrates correct understanding. C. Administering iron with meals decreases its absorption because certain foods—especially dairy products, tea, coffee, and high-fiber foods—bind with iron and reduce its bioavailability. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach or with a source of vitamin C (e.g., orange juice) to enhance absorption. D. Restricting fiber is unnecessary and could lead to constipation, which is already a common side effect of iron therapy. A balanced diet with adequate fluids and fiber helps prevent constipation and supports overall digestive health.