Fundamentals of Nursing Q 581
Which of the following should be included in a plan of care for a client who is lactose intolerant?
A. Remove all dairy products from the diet.
B. Frozen yogurt can be included in the diet.
C. Drink small amounts of milk on an empty stomach.
D. Spread out selection of dairy products throughout the day.
Correct Answer: B. Frozen yogurt can be included in the diet.
Clients who are lactose intolerant can digest frozen yogurt. Yogurt products are formed by bacterial action, and this action assists in the digestion of lactose. The freezing process further stops bacterial action so that limited lactase activity remains. Some people who are lactose-intolerant can eat some kinds of yogurt without problems, especially yogurt with live cultures.
Option A: Elimination of all dairy products can lead to significant clinical deficiencies of other nutrients. Be sure to get enough calcium in the diet, especially if the client avoids milk products completely. To get enough calcium, the client would need to eat calcium-rich foods as often as someone would drink milk. Calcium is very important because it keeps bones strong and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Option C: Drinking milk on an empty stomach can exacerbate clinical symptoms. Drinking milk with a meal may benefit the client because other foods, (especially fat) may decrease transit time and allow for increased lactase activity. Limit the amount of milk and milk products in the diet. Try to drink 1 glass of milk each day. Drink small amounts several times a day. All types of milk contain the same amount of lactose.
Option D: Although individual tolerance should be acknowledged, spreading out the use of known dairy products will usually exacerbate clinical symptoms. Eat or drink milk and milk products along with other foods. For some people, combining solid food (like cereal) with a dairy product (like milk) can reduce symptoms.