Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort-Nutrition
24. A client, who is a 17-year-old gravida 2, para 1, practices a strict vegetarian diet. She has been prescribed an iron supplement during her second trimester of pregnancy. To promote better absorption, a nurse should instruct the client to take the iron supplement with which beverage?
Test-Taking Tip
Remember: acidic beverages can assist in absorption of iron supplements. Milk, antacids, soy, and tannins decrease absorption.
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 incorrect because cow's milk contains little iron and can reduce iron absorption. Answer 2 is incorrect because iced tea contains tannins, which are known to reduce the absorption of iron. Answer 3 is incorrect because studies have shown soy to have an inhibitory effect on iron absorption. Answer 4 is correct because orange juice is high in vitamin C, which can increase the absorption of iron and is needed for the production of hemoglobin.
