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)

Choice A

Advising the client that too much fruit can irritate the colon is not the right choice. While it's true that excessive consumption of certain fruits can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, this information is not directly related to celiac disease or the selected meal.

Choice B

Informing the client that oatmeal contains gluten is the right choice. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. Oatmeal itself is naturally gluten-free, but it is often processed in facilities that also process gluten-containing grains, which can lead to cross-contamination. Therefore, it's important for individuals with celiac disease to choose certified gluten-free oats to avoid adverse reactions.

Choice C

Commending the client for selecting fat-free milk is not the best choice. While choosing a healthier milk option is beneficial for overall health, it is not the most important action in this situation, considering the client's celiac disease.

Choice D reason;

Encouraging the client to choose decaffeinated coffee is not the right choice. The choice of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee is a matter of preference and is not directly related to celiac disease or the potential for gluten exposure from the oatmeal.

Choice A

Protein is not essential. While protein can influence blood sugar levels to some extent, its effect is much smaller compared to carbohydrates. Protein is not typically counted as a primary factor in insulin dosing.

Choice B

Carbohydrates are essential. For a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who uses both short-acting (mealtime) and long-acting (basal) insulin, counting carbohydrates is essential for meal planning and insulin dosing. Carbohydrates have the most direct and significant impact on blood sugar levels. When carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream and can lead to increased blood sugar levels

Choice C

Dairy is not essential. Dairy products can contain carbohydrates (such as lactose), but the carbohydrate content varies and is not as significant as in foods like grains, fruits, and starchy vegetables.

Choice D

Fats are not essential. Fats have minimal direct impact on blood sugar levels. However, they can affect the overall rate of digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, potentially influencing the timing of insulin administration. But carbohydrate counting remains the primary focus for insulin adjustment.