Question

A client has been diagnosed with folic acid deficiency. The nurse's discharge teaching will focus on foods high in folic acid. Which of the following foods has the highest folic acid level? A. Citrus fruits B. Raisins C. Brewer's yeast D. Eggs

Short answer

Answer: C) Brewer's yeast.

Step-by-step solution

Recall the folic acid content in the given food options

To solve this exercise, it's important to know the folic acid content in each of the given food options: Citrus fruits, Raisins, Brewer's yeast, and Eggs.

Compare the folic acid levels

Based on the known folic acid content, compare the foods to determine which one has the highest folic acid level. Here are the general folic acid contents for each option: A. Citrus fruits: moderate to high levels of folic acid, depending on the type of citrus fruit. B. Raisins: low to moderate levels of folic acid. C. Brewer's yeast: very high levels of folic acid. D. Eggs: low to moderate levels of folic acid.

Choose the correct option

Based on the comparison of the folic acid content in the given food options, it becomes clear that Brewer's yeast has the highest folic acid level among these options. The correct answer is C. Brewer's yeast.

Key concepts

Understanding Folic Acid Deficiency

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is crucial for various bodily functions. It is especially important for the formation of DNA and RNA, which are vital in cell growth and function. Folic acid is also crucial during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and fetal development.
This nutrient can be obtained from dietary sources or supplements. However, when someone has a folic acid deficiency, it means their intake of this vitamin is not sufficient to meet their body's needs.

Common signs of folic acid deficiency may include:

• Fatigue and weakness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Swollen tongue.
• Memory issues.

Recognizing these signs is important in healthcare settings to address the deficiency early through dietary adjustments or supplements.

Nursing Education for Folic Acid Deficiency

Nurses play a crucial role in identifying and managing folic acid deficiency. They are often the first to recognize symptoms and can guide patients toward appropriate interventions. In nursing education, professionals are trained to assess nutritional statuses, understand lab results related to folic acid levels, and implement care plans to address deficiencies.

Educational interventions by nurses can include:

• Encouraging dietary changes to increase folic acid intake.
• Recommending supplements if needed, especially during pregnancy.
• Monitoring patient progress and potential improvement in symptoms.

Through education and care, nurses can effectively help patients manage and prevent deficiencies, promoting better overall health.

Nutrition Education and Food Sources

Nutrition education is a key strategy in addressing folic acid deficiency. It involves teaching patients about foods that are rich in folic acid so they can incorporate them into their diets. Understanding which foods have high folic acid content is critical, as is knowing how dietary choices impact health.

Some foods rich in folic acid include:

• Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale.
• Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.
• Legumes including beans and lentils.
• Brewer's yeast, which is especially high in folic acid.

By focusing on these food sources, patients can make informed dietary choices that help them maintain adequate folic acid levels.

Effective Patient Discharge Teaching

Patient discharge teaching is a vital component of healthcare. It ensures that patients continue their care at home effectively, minimizing the risk of readmission due to complications. For those with folic acid deficiency, discharge teaching should include clear, understandable instructions about dietary modifications and, if necessary, supplement use.

Key elements of effective discharge teaching include:

• Detailed explanations of which foods to eat high in folic acid.
• Open discussions about any dietary changes and how to stick to them.
• Information on any prescribed supplements, including dosage and frequency.
• Contact information for follow-up and questions.

The goal of discharge teaching is to empower patients to manage their health conditions independently while ensuring continuous support and guidance from healthcare providers.