A nurse is providing teaching about iron deficiency anemia to the parents of an infant. Which of the following should the nurse recommend as a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia?

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because limiting intake of high-protein foods is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. High-protein foods are foods that contain a large amount of protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, or seeds. Protein is a nutrient that helps to build and repair body tissues and support immune function. It may also provide iron, which is a mineral that helps to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Therefore, limiting intake of high-protein foods may reduce iron intake and increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Choice B reason: This choice is correct because mom should continue prenatal vitamins if breastfeeding or formula with an iron supplement is a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Prenatal vitamins are supplements that contain various vitamins and minerals that are essential for pregnant or lactating women and their babies. They may include iron, which helps to prevent maternal and infant anemia. Formula with an iron supplement is a type of infant formula that contains added iron to meet the nutritional needs of infants who are not breastfed or partially breastfed. Therefore, mom should continue prenatal vitamins if breastfeeding or formula with an iron supplement can help to provide adequate iron intake and prevent iron deficiency anemia.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because administering fat-soluble vitamins daily is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins that dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. They have various functions such as maintaining vision, bone health, skin health, and blood clotting. They do not have a direct role in preventing iron deficiency anemia.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because including fluoridated water in the toddler's diet is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Fluoridated water is water that contains fluoride, which is a substance that helps to prevent tooth decay and cavities. It does not have a direct role in preventing iron deficiency anemia.

Choice A: A 3-year-old child is not developmentally ready to descend stairs by placing both feet on each step and holding on to the railing. A 3-year-old child can walk up stairs alternating feet with one hand held by an adult or on the railing. A 3-year-old child can also walk down stairs placing both feet on each step with one hand held by an adult.

Choice B: A 4-year-old child is developmentally able to descend stairs by placing both feet on each step and holding on to the railing. A 4-year-old child can also walk up stairs alternating feet without assistance.

Choice C: A 5-year-old child is developmentally more advanced than descending stairs by placing both feet on each step and holding on to the railing. A 5-year-old child can walk up and down stairs alternating feet without assistance.

Choice D: A 6-year-old child is developmentally more advanced than descending stairs by placing both feet on each step and holding on to the railing. A 6-year-old child can walk up and down stairs alternating feet without assistance and can also hop and skip on one foot.