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Toddler iron deficiency — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasyPediatrics (Well-child / Chronic Management)Toddler iron deficiencyUSMLE Step 3

A 15-month-old drinks 36 oz of cow's milk daily and eats few iron-rich foods. Hemoglobin is 9.6 g/dL, MCV is 68 fL, ferritin is low, and lead level is normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Start oral iron and reduce cow's milk intake

Excess cow's milk can cause iron deficiency anemia; treatment is iron plus dietary change.

Reference: AAP clinical practice guidelines, https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/collection/523/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines