What action should the LPN take upon observing a dark black stool in a 14-month-old client receiving oral iron supplementation?

The presence of dark black stool in a 14-month-old client receiving oral iron supplementation is typically a benign side effect of the iron medication. This is known as "black stool" or "melena," which occurs due to the unabsorbed iron passing through the gastrointestinal tract. It is important for the LPN to document this finding because it reflects a normal reaction to the iron supplementation and indicates that the medication is likely being utilized as intended.

Documentation is critical in nursing as it provides a thorough record of the patient's condition and response to treatment, ensuring continuity of care and effective communication among the healthcare team. In this case, recording the observation allows for monitoring over time, maintaining accurate patient information, and assisting in any potential future assessments.

While notifying the primary healthcare provider may be appropriate in certain circumstances, in this instance, it is not required, as the finding is an expected outcome of the treatment. Continuing with data collection and administering the iron supplement are also not necessary steps specifically tied to this condition since the stool color is a recognized side effect and does not indicate an immediate health concern.