A nurse is providing teaching about food choices to a client who has a new prescription for tranylcypromine. Which of the following foods should the nurse identify as an acceptable choice while the client is taking this medication?

Choice A reason: Green tea is not a beverage that enhances the absorption of nonheme iron, but rather inhibits it. Green tea contains tannins, which are compounds that bind to iron and prevent its absorption. The nurse should advise the client to avoid drinking green tea or other beverages that contain tannins, such as black tea, with meals that contain iron.

Choice B reason: Coffee is not a beverage that enhances the absorption of nonheme iron, but rather inhibits it. Coffee also contains tannins, as well as caffeine, which can interfere with iron absorption. The nurse should recommend the client to limit or avoid coffee intake, especially with iron-rich foods.

Choice C reason: Milk is not a beverage that enhances the absorption of nonheme iron, but rather inhibits it. Milk contains calcium, which can compete with iron for absorption. The nurse should suggest the client to consume milk and other dairy products separately from iron-containing foods.

Choice D reason: Orange juice is a beverage that enhances the absorption of nonheme iron, as it is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C can increase the absorption of nonheme iron by converting it from the ferric form to the more absorbable ferrous form. The nurse should encourage the client to drink orange juice or other citrus juices with meals that contain iron.

Choice A reason: Elastic skin turgor is a sign of adequate hydration and fluid balance. Skin turgor is the ability of the skin to return to its normal shape after being pinched or pulled. When the skin is dehydrated, it loses its elasticity and becomes tented or wrinkled. The nurse should assess the skin turgor on the chest, abdomen, or forehead, and not on the hands or feet, which can be affected by aging or edema.

Choice B reason: Dry mucous membranes are a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume excess. Mucous membranes are the moist linings of the mouth, nose, eyes, and other body openings. When the body is dehydrated, the mucous membranes become dry, cracked, or sticky. The nurse should assess the mucous membranes for color, moisture, and capillary refill.

Choice C reason: Oliguria is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume excess. Oliguria is the production of abnormally small amounts of urine, usually less than 400 mL per day or 30 mL per hour. Oliguria can indicate reduced kidney function, impaired blood flow to the kidneys, or inadequate fluid intake. The nurse should monitor the urine output, color, specific gravity, and presence of blood or protein.

Choice D reason: Tachycardia is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume excess. Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate, usually more than 100 beats per minute. Tachycardia can occur when the body is dehydrated, as the heart tries to pump more blood to maintain the blood pressure and perfusion. The nurse should measure the pulse rate, rhythm, quality, and amplitude.