Question

The nurse provides dietary instructions about iron-rich foods to a client with iron deficiency anemia. Which food selection made by the client indicates a need for additional instructions?

A. Oranges
B. Kidney beans
C. Liver
D. Leafy green vegetables

Answer 1

Oranges, while helpful in iron absorption, are not high in iron themselves and indicate a need for additional instructions for a client with iron deficiency anemia. Foods like kidney beans, liver, and leafy green vegetables are more appropriate selections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dietary choice that indicates a need for additional instructions for a client with iron deficiency anemia is A. Oranges. While oranges are beneficial for their high vitamin C content, which aids in the absorption of iron, they are not particularly rich in iron themselves. Foods rich in iron that are more effective for addressing anemia include kidney beans, liver, and leafy green vegetables. These foods are a part of the Protein/Meat/Fish/Dry Beans/Eggs/Nuts Group, which provides iron and B vitamins essential for people with anemia, and should be included in the diet more frequently.

On the other hand, heme iron, available in animal foods like meat, poultry, fish, and especially liver, is absorbed more efficiently compared to non-heme iron from plant foods. For better management of iron levels in clients with anemia, it is crucial to focus on iron-rich food selections and supplement them with vitamin C-rich foods to improve absorption.