Final answer:
Orange juice enhances the absorption of oral iron due to its vitamin C content, which assists in the conversion of iron to a more absorbable form.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is teaching a session on eating foods to increase iron intake. When considering which food will enhance the absorption of oral iron forms, it is important to note that iron absorption is facilitated in the presence of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which reduces ferric iron (Fe³+) into the more absorbable ferrous form (Fe²+). The acidic pH of the stomach favors the dissolution of Fe³+ salts forming the more soluble Fe²+ that is then absorbed. In this context, the correct answer is (d) Orange juice, as the vitamin C it contains enhances iron absorption.
It is useful to understand that balance in the diet is crucial, and consuming too much of one nutrient can interfere with the absorption of another. For example, dairy products like milk and yogurt, as well as antacids contain calcium or create an alkaline environment both of which can inhibit iron absorption. Therefore these are not the ideal choices to improve iron absorption.