Question

A pregnant patient who is a lacto-ovo vegetarian asks the nurse to help her plan a diet that includes adequate protein intake. What instruction should the nurse give?

A. "Because you don't eat meat, eggs, or dairy products, it's important to eat adequate plant-based proteins."
B. "To improve protein absorption, avoid simultaneous intake of animal protein and plant protein."
C. "Following a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet will require you to take a daily supplement of vitamin B12."
D. "In addition to eggs and dairy products, beans, peanut butter, and soy milk can be effective sources of plant-based proteins."

Answer 1

A pregnant lacto-ovo vegetarian can meet her protein needs by consuming adequate plant-based proteins, such as beans, peanut butter, and soy milk.

Step-by-step explanation:

A pregnant patient who is a lacto-ovo vegetarian needs to plan a diet that includes adequate protein intake. The nurse should instruct her to consume adequate plant-based proteins because she does not eat meat, eggs, or dairy products (Option A). It is not necessary to avoid simultaneous intake of animal protein and plant protein to improve protein absorption (Option B). While vitamin B12 is commonly found in animal products, it is not necessary for her to take a daily supplement of vitamin B12 if she is following a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (Option C). Besides eggs and dairy products, effective sources of plant-based proteins for her include beans, peanut butter, and soy milk (Option D).