Final answer:
A registered nurse should instruct a pregnant patient to increase her intake of iron. Iron is crucial during pregnancy to support fetal growth, development, and to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Adequate iron intake is essential for maternal health and fetal development.
Step-by-step explanation:
A registered nurse (RN) should instruct a pregnant patient to increase her daily intake of iron. During pregnancy, the demand for iron increases significantly to support the growth and development of the fetus and placenta, as well as to increase the maternal red blood cell mass. The additional iron contributes to the prevention of iron deficiency anemia, which is common during pregnancy. Consuming adequate levels of iron is essential for both the health of the pregnant patient and the fetal development.
Moreover, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that all women who might become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods to reduce the risk of neurological defects, including spina bifida, a failure of the neural tube to close. While folate is not the answer to the question, it is still an important nutrient during pregnancy.
Females require extra iron due to increased demands during menstruation and pregnancy. It is vital to ensure that these needs are met to support the overall health of the mother and the developing fetus.