Kelly is a 27-year-old Caucasian who works as a bank teller. She is 5'3" tall and weighs 102 pounds. She began experiencing recurrent gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, steatorrhea, and flatulence several months ago. She made an appointment with her physician after noticing that she was losing weight. Laboratory tests confirmed a diagnosis of celiac disease.
Kelly should be instructed to avoid _____ until her intestine has recovered.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Celiac disease damages the lining of the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption. Lactose is a sugar that requires the enzyme lactase to be digested properly, and celiac disease can lead to lactose intolerance. Additionally, the patient may already have damage to the villi in the small intestine that produce lactase. Therefore, avoiding lactose will help relieve Kelly's gastrointestinal symptoms and promote healing of her intestine.

Kelly Is a 27-Year-Old Caucasian Who Works as a Bank