Nutrition NCLEX Questions
Here’s an example NCLEX-style question on nutrition with the correct answer and a detailed explanation:
Question:
A nurse is educating a client with iron-deficiency anemia about dietary choices to increase iron intake. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend to be included in the client’s diet?
A. Skim milk
B. Orange juice
C. Chicken breast
D. Spinach
Correct Answer:
D. Spinach
Explanation:
Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks enough iron to produce adequate hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Dietary management is crucial in treating and preventing iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is found in both plant-based (non-heme iron) and animal-based (heme iron) sources. Non-heme iron, found in vegetables like spinach, is less readily absorbed by the body compared to heme iron, but it still plays a significant role in managing iron levels, especially for vegetarians or those who prefer plant-based diets.
Why Spinach?
Spinach is a rich source of non-heme iron and also provides vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods alongside non-heme iron sources is vital as it converts iron into a more absorbable form. Although spinach contains oxalates, which can inhibit iron absorption to some extent, its overall nutrient profile, including folate and fiber, makes it a beneficial food choice for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia.
Other Options:
- A. Skim milk: While nutritious, milk is not a good source of iron and, in some cases, can inhibit iron absorption due to its calcium content.
- B. Orange juice: Although it doesn’t contain iron, it is high in vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption when consumed with iron-rich foods.
- C. Chicken breast: This is a good source of heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body. However, the question highlights spinach, which directly addresses non-heme iron sources.
Encouraging clients to pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources, like orange juice, can significantly improve their iron levels, thereby managing or preventing iron-deficiency anemia effectively.