A 12-month-old infant is displaying pale skin, rapid heart rate, and increased respiratory rate. The parents bring the child to the clinic. Which statement by the parents points the health care worker to suspect iron deficiency anemia?

Question

A) "He has one to two bowel movements/day."
B) "We give him regular cow's milk with all his meals and snacks."
C) "He doesn't like to eat any vegetables."
D) "His grandma feeds him cookies every time she comes to visit."

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
The manifestations of iron deficiency anemia are related to impaired oxygen transport and lack of hemoglobin. Depending on the severity of the anemia, pallor, easy fatigability, dyspnea, and tachycardia may occur. Iron requirements are proportionally higher in infancy (3 to 24 months) than at any other age, although they are also increased in childhood and adolescence. In infancy, a diet consisting mainly of cow's milk, which is low in absorbable iron, is a main cause of iron deficiency anemia.