A nurse is providing teaching about iron deficiency anemia to the parents of an infant. Which of the following should the nurse recommend as a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia?

Choice A: This response indicates an understanding of the teaching, as pancreatic enzymes are essential for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes thick mucus to block the pancreatic ducts and impair digestion and absorption of nutrients. Pancreatic enzymes help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food and prevent malnutrition, steatorrhea, or vitamin deficiencies. Pancreatic enzymes should be given with snacks and meals to ensure adequate digestion.

Choice B: This response indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as low-fat meals with limited protein are not recommended for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes thick mucus to block the pancreatic ducts and impair digestion and absorption of nutrients. Low-fat meals with limited protein can cause malnutrition, weight loss, or growth failure in a child who has CF. A high-calorie, high-protein diet is recommended for a child who has CF to meet their increased energy needs and promote growth and development.

Choice C: This response indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as limiting fluid intake is not recommended for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes thick mucus to block the airways and lungs and cause respiratory infections and complications. Limiting fluid intake can cause dehydration, thickening of mucus, or difficulty in expectoration in a child who has CF. Adequate fluid intake is recommended for a child who has CF to hydrate the body, thin out mucus, and facilitate clearance.

Choice D: This response indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as restricting salt intake is not recommended for a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes excessive loss of salt through sweat due to abnormal chloride transport in cells. Restricting salt intake can cause hyponatremia, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance in a child who has CF. Adequate salt intake is recommended for a child who has CF to replace the lost salt and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.

Choice A: Skin cancer is a malignant growth of the skin cells, which can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, genetic mutations, or immunosuppression. Skin cancer does not affect the mouth and does not cause a white, milky plaque. Skin cancer may cause changes in the color, shape, size, or texture of a mole or a skin lesion.

Choice B: Candidiasis or thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth, which can be caused by overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast that normally lives in the body. Candidiasis or thrush can occur in people who have a weakened immune system, such as those who have a systemic disorder, take antibiotics, immunosuppressants, or corticosteroids, or have a smoking history. Candidiasis or thrush can cause soreness in the mouth and difficulty eating. Candidiasis or thrush can also cause a white, milky plaque that does not come off with rubbing.

Choice C: Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the squamous cells, which are flat cells that form the outer layer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma can occur in areas that are exposed to sun damage, such as the face, ears, lips, or neck. Squamous cell carcinoma does not affect the mouth and does not cause a white, milky plaque. Squamous cell carcinoma may cause a red, scaly, crusty, or bleeding bump or patch on the skin.

Choice D: Herpes simplex is a viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes, such as the mouth, lips, genitals, or eyes. Herpes simplex is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person or object. Herpes simplex does not cause a white, milky plaque. Herpes simplex may cause painful blisters or ulcers that burst and form scabs.