Question

A mother of a 5 year old who loves carrots and eats them almost every day notices the child's skin has developed an orangish tinge. It is especially noticeable on the palms. There are no other problems. What advice should the nurse give?

1) Take the child to the physician immediately
2) Limit the child's carrot intake
3) Give the child green vegetables to negate the orange
4) Ensure the child is receiving an appropriate amount of milk per day

Answer 1

The orangish tinge on the child's skin is likely due to the high consumption of carrots, which contain carotene, leading to carotenemia. It's recommended to reduce carrot intake and focus on a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. While not urgent, medical advice can be sought if there are concerns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The orangish tinge to the child's skin is likely due to an overconsumption of carrots which are high in carotene, a pigment that can accumulate in the epidermis and give skin a yellowish tint. Carotene is important for our body as it is converted into vitamin A, essential for healthy skin, bones, teeth, and vision. However, excessive intake can lead to skin discoloration, a condition known as carotenemia.

For the scenario described, where the child is showing no other problems, the appropriate advice would be to limit the child's carrot intake. While carotenemia is usually harmless and reversible, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet. Routine adjustment by incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables is recommended instead of focusing on a single type. Increasing the intake of green vegetables won't necessarily negate the orange hue, but it's beneficial for ensuring a diverse nutrient intake. It's also essential that the child receives appropriate amounts of other foods, like milk, as part of a balanced diet but this won't affect the skin color change from carotene. If concerned, seeking medical advice can help ensure there are no underlying health issues.