The client is a child who has been recently diagnosed with anemia. The child's parents do not eat meat and have requested information about how to provide iron without adding animal meat to their meals

Question

Which of the following is the nurse's best response? (Select all that apply.) 1. "You can eat beans because they are a good source of iron.".
2. "Dried fruits are a good source of iron.".
3. "Unfortunately, the only good way to increase iron intake is to provide meat for your child.".
4. "Drinking citrus juice with an iron-rich meal will help with iron absorption.".
5. "Ingest dairy products with the meal to increase absorption.".

Answer 1

1, 2, 4
Rationale: Beans are a good source of iron and can be suggested for people who do not wish to consume meat. Dried fruits and breakfast cereals are good sources of iron. There are many ways for people to ingest iron from nonmeat sources. It is important to drink citrus juices when ingesting iron to aid in absorption. Citrus juices contain vitamin C. Animal meat is a good source of iron but vegetarians can ingest adequate amounts of iron without eating meat. Milk inhibits iron absorption and should be avoided when attempting to achieve maximal iron absorption.