A patient is admitted for treatment of celiac sprue. Which nursing intervention is indicated to address this patient's nutritional needs?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best nursing intervention to address the nutritional needs of a patient with celiac sprue is to identify gluten-containing foods and eliminate them from the diet. Celiac sprue is a condition in which consuming gluten damages the lining of the small intestine making it difficult for the body to absorb necessary nutrients. Therefore, the patient needs to avoid foods that contain gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye. Instructing the patient to consume products identified as "new and improved" or encouraging the patient to try an oral lactase enzyme product are not useful interventions for a patient with celiac sprue. Limiting iron and B vitamin intake may also not be necessary, as long as the patient is consuming a balanced diet that is free of gluten.

A Patient Is Admitted for Treatment of Celiac Sprue