Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort-Nutrition
13. A client, who is 23 years old, gravida 3, para 1, has a hemoglobin of 9 gm/dL. She has been prescribed an exogenous iron supplement, but tells a nurse that she cannot take pills. Which food should the nurse recommend that is high in iron?
Test-Taking Tip
The key to this question is the client's age. Iron-rich foods can be less palatable. Even if a food is a good source of iron, the young adult may not eat it or take time to prepare anything. Choose the best food for this young busy mother.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort/Nutrition and Oral Hydration
Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort-Nutrition
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Answer 1 is correct because dried apricots are a good source of iron, require no cooking, and are palatable for a young mother. Answer 2 is incorrect because, even though lima beans are a good source of iron, they require preparation and are not usually a primary choice for a younger client. Answer 3 is incorrect because, even though tofu is a good source of iron, it requires preparation and is not usually a primary choice for a younger client. Answer 4 is incorrect because milk is not a good source of iron; it is a good source of calcium. You also need to consider if the client has lactose intolerance.
