Question

A child is diagnosed with lactose intolerance. The child's mother asks the nurse about the disease. The appropriate nursing response is which of the following?

a) Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body cannot digest any type of sugar.

b) It is a genetic disorder that causes the absence of lactase enzyme production.

c) Lactose intolerance is an allergy to dairy products.

d) The child should avoid foods containing lactose to prevent symptoms.

Answer 1

Lactose intolerance is a genetic defect that leads to non-digestion of lactose and intolerance to milk. Individuals with lactose intolerance should avoid foods containing lactose to prevent symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lactose intolerance is a genetic defect in which the enzyme lactase is deficient or absent. This leads to non-digestion of lactose and intolerance to milk. It is not an allergy to dairy products. Individuals with lactose intolerance should avoid foods containing lactose to prevent symptoms like bloating, cramps, nausea, and vomiting.