Which client is most at risk for iron-deficiency anemia?

The client most at risk for iron-deficiency anemia is the 13-month-old who will only drink cow's milk and is very pale. Infants and young children have increased iron requirements due to rapid growth and development, particularly during their first few years of life. Cow's milk is low in iron and can displace more iron-rich foods in the diet, leading to insufficient iron intake. Furthermore, excessive consumption of cow's milk can also interfere with the absorption of iron from other sources, potentially contributing to anemia. The pale appearance is indicative of anemia, which aligns with a deficiency in iron.

The other options present scenarios where the risk for iron-deficiency anemia may not be as pronounced. The 12-year-old female who has not started menses is less likely to be at risk due to the lack of menstrual blood loss, which is a significant contributing factor to iron deficiency in older females. The 30-year-old pregnant individual may be at risk for iron-deficiency anemia due to the increased iron needs during pregnancy; however, this can typically be managed with dietary adjustments and prenatal vitamins that include iron. The 8-year-old with a hemoglobin of 13 is within the normal range for hemoglobin levels in children, suggesting they are not at