This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Pediatrics
[{'content': 'The earliest indicator of response after starting iron in a 6–year–old girl with iron deficiency is – \nSelect and explain. \nA. Increased reticulocyte count, B. Increased hemoglobin, C. Increased fen–itin, D. Increased serum iron', 'role': 'user'}, {'content': 'Answer: A \nExplanation: The reticulocyte count is the first to rise. This is followed by elevation of haemoglobin levels. body iron stores are restored after correction of haemoglobin levels.\n`Rise in Reticulocyte count occurs by the second or third day. This is followed by elevation of haemoglobin levels.\nBody iron stores are repleted after correction of haemoglobin levels. - Ghai\n\nThus Rise in Reticulocyte count → Rise in Haemoglobin Restoration of iron stores ferritin\xa0\nTime Span\n\nWithin 1 day (24 hours)\nWithin 2 days (48 hours)\nWithin 2-3 days\nUp to 2 months\nStill later\n\nResponsible with the start of iron therapy\n\nThe child becomes less irritable\nAppetite improves\nInitial bone marrow response\nReticulocyte count increases\nRestoration of haemoglobin levels\nRestoration of iron stores (Ferritin levels)', 'role': 'assistant'}]