Fundamentals of Nursing Q 541
The nurse is teaching a client who has iron-deficiency anemia about foods she should include in her diet. The nurse determines that the client understands the dietary instructions if she selects which of the following from her menu?
A. Nuts and fish.
B. Oranges and dark green leafy vegetables.
C. Butter and margarine.
D. Sugar and candy.
Correct Answer: B. Oranges and dark green leafy vegetables.
Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in iron while oranges are a good source of vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption. A diet plan for anemia needs to include a healthful balance of iron-rich foods, such as leafy vegetables, lean meat, nuts and seeds, and fortified breakfast cereals. It is also crucial to include foods that can improve the body’s absorption of iron and avoid foods that may interfere with this process.
Option A: Phytates also termed phytic acid is present in legumes, whole grains, nuts, and brown rice. The phytic acid binds with the iron present in the digestive tract and inhibits its absorption. Hence, anemic patients must avoid foods containing phytates.
Option C: The mineral hinders iron absorption and therefore consuming calcium-containing food products in combination with other iron-rich foods can affect how much iron is being absorbed by the body. Dairy foods like milk, yoghurt, and cheese should be avoided for this reason. Therefore, it is advisable to take calcium-containing foods at different time slots.
Option D: The effect of the iron-chelating sugars, fructose, glucose, and galactose, on iron absorption in rats has been examined. Fructose has an effect on increasing iron absorption. Glucose and galactose have no effect on iron absorption. These findings suggest that the metabolism of fructose is responsible for changing iron absorption in the rat since it is metabolized during its absorption, while glucose and galactose are not.