Question

the nurse is caring for a vegetarian who has iron deficiency anemia. the standardized nutritional plan for a client with anemia calls for the client to increase consumption of animal protein. how should the nurse plan to meet this clients nutritional needs?

• meet with the clients family to emphasize the importance of nutritional modification.
• collaborate with the nutritionist to modify the nutritional plan.
• instruct the client that consumption of animal protein is necessary to cure the anemia.
• arrange for animal protein to be disguised in the clients meal.

Explanation:

Identify client preferences and ethical principles

Using the Patient Autonomy knowledge point, the nurse must respect the client's choice to follow a vegetarian diet. Forcing, instructing, or tricking the client into consuming animal protein violates autonomy and ethical nursing practice.

Evaluate standard care plan limitations

Using the Principles of Care Planning knowledge point, standard care plans must be individualized to meet the unique needs, beliefs, and preferences of each client. A standardized plan calling for animal protein is inappropriate for a vegetarian client.

Determine the appropriate nursing action

To safely and ethically meet the client's nutritional needs, the nurse must work with other healthcare team members to adjust the care plan. Collaborating with a nutritionist allows for the development of a modified plan rich in non-animal sources of iron and protein.

Analyze the incorrect options

• Meeting with the family to emphasize animal protein ignores the client's personal choice.
• Instructing the client that animal protein is necessary is factually incorrect and dismisses their lifestyle.
• Disguising animal protein in meals is highly unethical and violates trust.

Answer:

• (A) Meet with the client's family to emphasize the importance of nutritional modification.
• (B) Collaborate with the nutritionist to modify the nutritional plan. (Correct answer)
• (C) Instruct the client that consumption of animal protein is necessary to cure the anemia.
• (D) Arrange for animal protein to be disguised in the client's meal.