Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which side effect is commonly associated with ferrous sulfate?

1. Anemia

2. Diarrhea

3. Nausea and constipation

4. Insomnia

The correct answer is: Nausea and constipation

Ferrous sulfate, a form of iron supplement, is primarily used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia. While it effectively increases iron levels in the body, it is also associated with several gastrointestinal side effects. Nausea and constipation are among the most commonly reported adverse effects when taking ferrous sulfate. Nausea can occur because the supplement may irritate the stomach lining, especially if not taken with food. Similarly, constipation can arise due to iron's tendency to slow down intestinal motility. This is particularly important for patients to be aware of, as managing these side effects may be necessary to ensure adherence to the iron supplementation regimen. Other options such as anemia and insomnia do not align with the expected effects or side effects of ferrous sulfate. Anemia is, in fact, the condition that ferrous sulfate aims to treat, while insomnia is not a recognized side effect of iron supplementation. Diarrhea can occur in some cases but is less common than the symptoms of nausea and constipation associated with ferrous sulfate, making the latter the more widely recognized side effects of this medication.