Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Which dietary recommendation is best for an adolescent who is a lacto-vegetarian and has iron deficiency anemia?

1. 1 cup (8 oz) shredded wheat cereal

2. 1 cup (8 oz) apple juice

3. ½ cup (4 oz) sweet green peppers

4. ⅛ cup (1 oz) low-fat cheese

The correct answer is: 1 cup (8 oz) shredded wheat cereal

For an adolescent who is a lacto-vegetarian and experiencing iron deficiency anemia, the best dietary recommendation is to include options that are rich in iron, especially since animal sources of iron are not part of a vegetarian diet. Shredded wheat cereal is a good source of iron, often fortified, making it a suitable choice to help increase iron levels. Additionally, it is important to consider how Vitamin C can aid in the absorption of iron from plant sources, but since the question focuses on direct sources of iron, fortified cereals would efficiently contribute towards improving iron deficiency. The consumption of cereals high in iron, combined with lactose sources like cheese, can also ensure that the adolescent gets adequate nutrient intake. Other options, such as apple juice or sweet green peppers, while they can be part of a healthy diet, do not provide significant amounts of iron compared to fortified cereals. Low-fat cheese, while nutritious, primarily contributes calcium and protein rather than iron, making it less effective in addressing anemia compared to the fortified shredded wheat cereal. Thus, shredded wheat cereal stands out as the best option for preventing and addressing iron deficiency anemia in this scenario.