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 reason: This choice is incorrect because limiting intake of high-protein foods is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. High-protein foods are foods that contain a large amount of protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, or seeds. Protein is a nutrient that helps to build and repair body tissues and support immune function. It may also provide iron, which is a mineral that helps to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Therefore, limiting intake of high-protein foods may reduce iron intake and increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Choice B reason: This choice is correct because mom should continue prenatal vitamins if breastfeeding or formula with an iron supplement is a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Prenatal vitamins are supplements that contain various vitamins and minerals that are essential for pregnant or lactating women and their babies. They may include iron, which helps to prevent maternal and infant anemia. Formula with an iron supplement is a type of infant formula that contains added iron to meet the nutritional needs of infants who are not breastfed or partially breastfed. Therefore, mom should continue prenatal vitamins if breastfeeding or formula with an iron supplement can help to provide adequate iron intake and prevent iron deficiency anemia.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because administering fat-soluble vitamins daily is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins that dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. They have various functions such as maintaining vision, bone health, skin health, and blood clotting. They do not have a direct role in preventing iron deficiency anemia.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because including fluoridated water in the toddler's diet is not a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia. Fluoridated water is water that contains fluoride, which is a substance that helps to prevent tooth decay and cavities. It does not have a direct role in preventing iron deficiency anemia.

Choice A: This response is appropriate, as it indicates urgency and concern for the infant's condition. Projectile vomiting immediately after eating can be a sign of pyloric stenosis, which is a condition that causes the narrowing of the pylorus, which is the opening between the stomach and the small intestine. Pyloric stenosis can prevent food from passing through and cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or weight loss. The infant needs to be evaluated by a provider as soon as possible and may need surgery to correct the problem.

Choice B: This response is not appropriate, as it does not address the underlying cause of the infant's condition. Oral rehydration solution can help replace fluids and electrolytes lost through vomiting, but it does not treat pyloric stenosis or prevent further vomiting. Oral rehydration solution may also be vomited out by the infant if given too soon or too much.

Choice C: This response is not appropriate, as it does not address the underlying cause of the infant's condition. Burping the baby more frequently during feedings can help release air bubbles and prevent gas or colic, but it does not treat pyloric stenosis or prevent further vomiting. Burping may also trigger vomiting by increasing pressure on the stomach.

Choice D: This response is not appropriate, as it does not address the underlying cause of the infant's condition. Switching to a different formula can help if the infant has an allergy or intolerance to certain ingredients in their current formula, but it does not treat pyloric stenosis or prevent further vomiting. Switching formulas may also cause diarrhea or constipation by changing the infant's bowel flora.