Question

A patient has anemia related to inadequate intake of essential nutrients. Which intervention would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care for this patient?

A. Plan for 30 minutes of rest before and after every meal.
B. Encourage foods high in protein, iron, vitamin C, and folate.
C. Instruct the patient to select soft, bland, and nonacidic foods.
D. Give the patient a list of medications that inhibit iron absorption.

Answer 1

To address anemia caused by nutritional deficiency, the nurse should encourage the patient to consume foods high in protein, iron, vitamin C, and folate, which are vital for the production of healthy red blood cells and for the proper absorption of iron.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate intervention for a nurse to include in the plan of care for a patient with anemia related to inadequate intake of essential nutrients would be B. Encourage foods high in protein, iron, vitamin C, and folate. These nutrients are critical for producing healthy red blood cells and for improving iron absorption. Foods such as red meat, legumes, and spinach are rich in iron, which is particularly important to prevent iron deficiency anemia. It is also beneficial to have a diet that includes adequate amounts of protein, which enhances iron absorption, and vitamin C, which can increase the bioavailability of iron from food sources. Folic acid is essential to prevent megaloblastic anemia and is especially important during the early stages of pregnancy to reduce neurological defects.

To maintain a healthy balance, it's necessary to consume a variety of foods that also provide other essential nutrients without hindering iron absorption. For women of childbearing age and other vulnerable groups such as children, teens, and vegetarians, it is crucial to include these nutrients in their diet to avoid anemia. This will help ensure they have the recommended hemoglobin content in their blood, which should be above 9 g/100 ml.