A nursing student plans to administer Maalox with Iron. The nurse should intervene if the student does which action?

• A. Administers the antacid at the same time as Iron
• B. Administers Iron two hours before the antacid
• C. Administers Iron with orange juice
• D. Administrates Iron after meals

Answer: (A)

Separating iron from antacids is essential to maximize iron absorption. Antacids like Maalox raise gastric pH and can bind iron in the gut, forming insoluble complexes that the body cannot absorb. Administering the antacid at the same time as iron prevents proper absorption, so this action should be avoided. The iron can be given two hours apart from the antacid to minimize interaction. Giving iron with orange juice, which provides vitamin C, enhances absorption, and taking iron after meals may reduce GI upset, though it can slightly lower absorption compared with an empty stomach. The key is not to mix the two at the same time.