What common side effect should a nurse monitor for in a client prescribed ferrous sulfate?

When a client is prescribed ferrous sulfate, it's important to monitor for constipation as a common side effect. Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that can irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to decreased motility and resulting in constipation. This occurs because iron can be hard for the body to digest, and it often leads to changes in bowel habits.

Patients taking ferrous sulfate should be advised to maintain adequate hydration and dietary fiber intake to help mitigate this effect. Additionally, the nurse should assess the client’s bowel habits and encourage them to report any significant changes, particularly if they experience discomfort or infrequent bowel movements. Recognizing and addressing constipation can help improve the client’s comfort and adherence to the treatment regimen.

While other side effects like diarrhea, weakness, and headache can occur, they are less commonly associated with ferrous sulfate compared to constipation. Therefore, monitoring for constipation is a key component of nursing care for patients receiving this medication.