Question

The school nurse is planning a class about nutrition for pregnant teens. The nurse knows that several of the pregnant teenage patients have been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Which should the nurse encourage the teens to consume more of in order to increase iron absorption?

A. Gatorade
B. Orange juice
C. Milk
D. Green tea

Answer 1

To increase iron absorption for pregnant teens with iron-deficiency anemia, the school nurse should recommend orange juice due to its high vitamin C content, which aids in iron absorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

To help increase iron absorption for pregnant teens diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, the school nurse should encourage the consumption of orange juice. This is because vitamin C, which is abundant in orange juice, enhances iron absorption from the digestive tract. Foods such as red meat, legumes, and green leafy vegetables are good sources of iron, which are essential for the prevention of anemia and the synthesis of hemoglobin. During pregnancy, the requirement for iron increases to 27 mg daily, making it critical for pregnant women to consume both sources of iron and foods that promote its absorption, such as those high in vitamin C.