Nurse Olenna is performing community assessment; which of following age-groups would be inappropriate for her to monitor iron deficiency anemia?

Correct Answer: B. School-age children

Periods of rapid growth predispose a person to iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is not prevalent in school-age children because this stage is not a period of rapid growth. Anemia among children has been conclusively seen to delay psychomotor development, poor cognitive performance, impaired immunity, and decrease working capacity.

• Option A: The “picky appetites” of toddlers may also predispose them to this condition. Children are at higher risk for iron deficiency because of their higher need for iron. Simply put, a diet that’s poor in sources of iron can lead to iron deficiency. A diet that features an excess amount of milk, which is a poor source of iron, can place a child at risk for iron deficiency.
• Option C: Adolescence is characterized by rapid growth and development and iron requirements increase during this time. Adolescents with poor diet in early childhood and/or females with an early onset of menarche may be at greater risk for developing anemia due to the rapid depletion of iron stores in their bodies.
• Option D: Pregnancy is a period of rapid growth. Thus, individuals in these groups are more likely to experience iron deficiency anemia. Pregnancy is associated with increased iron demand, and therefore, increases the risk of iron deficiency anemia. Up to 52% of pregnant women in the developing world are affected.