Question

A nurse is providing dietary teaching to the parent of a school-age child who has celiac disease. The nurse should recommend that the parent offer which of the following foods to the child?

A) Whole wheat bread
B) Oatmeal
C) Barley soup
D) Quinoa"

Answer 1

Quinoa is a safe and nutritious gluten-free grain that can be recommended for a child with celiac disease. It does not contain gluten, which is harmful in celiac disease as it damages the microvilli of the small intestine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The treatment for celiac disease includes a strict gluten-free diet, which means avoiding all foods that contain gluten—the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This is crucial because in celiac disease, gluten triggers an immune response that damages the microvilli in the small intestine, leading to nutrient malabsorption, malnutrition, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Therefore, a safe food item for a child with celiac disease is quinoa. Quinoa is a nutritious, naturally gluten-free grain that provides important vitamins and minerals without any gluten content, thereby it is safe to include in the child's diet. Dining routinely on gluten-free foods like quinoa can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with celiac disease, such as osteoporosis, nervous system issues, and certain cancers. Parents ensuring a gluten-free diet for their children with celiac disease need to carefully read food labels and be aware of cross-contamination risks when preparing meals.