A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who is pregnant and requires an increase in dietary iron. Which of the following foods is a source of heme iron that the nurse should include in the teaching?
Fortified cereals
Ground beef
Kale
Lima beans
The Correct Answer is B
A. Fortified cereals: Fortified cereals are a good source of non-heme iron, which is iron added during processing and derived from plant sources or synthetic compounds. While helpful in increasing iron intake, non-heme iron is not absorbed as efficiently by the body compared to heme iron found in animal-based foods.
B. Ground beef: Ground beef is a rich source of heme iron, which is derived from animal hemoglobin and myoglobin. Heme iron is better absorbed by the human body than non-heme iron, making it particularly beneficial for pregnant clients who have increased iron needs to support fetal development and increased blood volume.
C. Kale: Kale contains non-heme iron, as it is a plant-based food. While it contributes to overall iron intake and is nutritionally valuable, the form of iron in kale is less readily absorbed by the body, especially in the absence of vitamin C, which enhances non-heme iron absorption.
D. Lima beans: Lima beans also provide non-heme iron, similar to other legumes and plant-based sources. Though they can support iron intake, they are not considered a source of heme iron and therefore do not offer the same absorption efficiency as animal-based options like meat.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","F","G"]
Explanation
A. "I should drink about 80 ounces of fluid per day." Adequate hydration is essential for clients with colostomies to prevent constipation and support optimal bowel function. A daily fluid intake of around 80 ounces helps maintain stool consistency and supports overall digestion.
B. "I should eat a source of protein at each meal and snack." Protein is vital for healing, tissue repair, and maintaining muscle mass following surgery. Including protein in meals and snacks supports recovery and meets increased metabolic demands postoperatively.
C. "I should chew my food thoroughly." Thorough chewing reduces the risk of large, undigested food particles entering the stoma, which can cause blockages. This practice promotes better digestion and safer colostomy management.
D. “I should take an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication if my stools are semiliquid." Using antidiarrheal medication without provider direction may mask underlying complications or contribute to improper bowel regulation. Medical guidance is necessary before initiating any such treatment.
E. "I will have trouble digesting food due to the colostomy." A colostomy changes stool elimination but does not impair digestion or nutrient absorption. The digestive process remains largely intact unless there are additional gastrointestinal conditions.
F. “I should eat 4 to 6 small meals per day." Small, frequent meals promote steady digestion, reduce gas formation, and help clients maintain energy levels during recovery. This pattern is also easier to tolerate postoperatively.
G. "I should eat high-fiber foods." Fiber intake helps regulate bowel movements and promotes stool formation. High-fiber foods should be reintroduced gradually to prevent gas or blockage, especially in the early weeks post-surgery.
H. “I should eat nuts for the first 2 weeks following surgery as a source of fiber." Nuts are difficult to digest and may cause stoma blockage during the early recovery phase. Clients are advised to avoid hard or high-residue foods initially and introduce them gradually under provider supervision.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): An elevated ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation. It can be elevated due to a variety of conditions, including infection, autoimmune disease, or chronic illness. In TPN, this finding would require further evaluation but is not a definitive or immediate indicator of a TPN-related complication.
B. Increased bilirubin levels: While increased bilirubin levels may suggest liver dysfunction, they are not uncommon in clients receiving TPN over an extended period due to hepatobiliary complications like cholestasis. However, after just 24 hours of TPN, a rise in bilirubin is unlikely to occur this quickly as a result of TPN alone.
C. Guaiac fecal occult blood test positive: A positive fecal occult blood test indicates the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is not a typical complication associated with TPN initiation. While it is a concerning clinical finding, it is not directly linked to the use of TPN and may be related to other underlying gastrointestinal issues that need separate investigation.
D. Weight gain 1.6 kg (3.5 lb): A rapid weight gain of this magnitude within 24 hours of starting TPN suggests fluid overload, which is a potential complication of TPN therapy especially in clients with compromised cardiac or renal function. This finding indicates the need for immediate intervention to prevent further complications such as pulmonary edema or hypertension.
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