<prompt> The earliest indicator of response after staing iron in a 6-year-old girl with iron deficiency is -Increased reticulocyte countIncreased hemoglobinIncreased ferritinIncreased serum iron  <response>: . Ans. is a i.e., Increased Reticulocyte count 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.Rise in Reticulocyte count occurs by the second or third day. This is followed by elevation of haemoglobin levels. Body iron stores are repleted after correction of haemoglobin levels. - Ghai 