A client who haemorrhaged following surgery has a haemoglobin of 10 g/dl. (6.21 mmol/L) and a haematocrit of 36% (0.36 volume fraction) 48 hours later. The client has now progressed to a soft diet and is eating oatmeal for breakfast. Which beverage should the nurse encourage this client to drink to increase iron intake?
Reference Ranges
Haemoglobin (Hgb) [Reference Range: Male: 14 to 18 g/dL or 8.7 to 11.2 mmol/L]
Haematocrit (Hct) [Reference Range: Male: 42% to 52% or 0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)
A.
Coffee.
B.
Hot tea.
C.
Orange juice.
D.
Apple juice
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: C. Orange juice
Explanation:
To increase iron intake, especially in the context of a client who has experienced hemorrhage and has a low hemoglobin level, it is important to consider both the type of iron in their diet and how it is absorbed.
Iron in food comes in two forms: heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron, found in animal products like red meat, is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron, which is found in plant-based foods such as oatmeal. Since this client is on a soft diet and consuming oatmeal (a source of non-heme iron), it’s essential to enhance the absorption of this type of iron.
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in enhancing the absorption of non-heme iron. It does so by reducing iron to a more absorbable form and by binding to iron, which helps prevent it from forming insoluble compounds that are harder for the body to absorb. Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and thus a suitable choice to increase iron absorption from the oatmeal.
Comparison with Other Options:
- A. Coffee: Coffee contains compounds called polyphenols that can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron. Drinking coffee with meals can significantly reduce the amount of iron absorbed from plant-based sources.
- B. Hot Tea: Like coffee, tea contains tannins, which can also inhibit iron absorption. Tea should be consumed between meals rather than with meals to avoid interference with iron absorption.
- D. Apple Juice: While apple juice is nutritious, it does not contain significant amounts of vitamin C compared to orange juice. Therefore, it is less effective at enhancing iron absorption.
Given the client’s current situation, with a low hemoglobin and hematocrit level following surgery, encouraging the consumption of orange juice with meals can help improve iron absorption from their diet, thereby assisting in better management and recovery of their iron levels.