Which food should a nurse emphasize for a client with iron-deficiency anemia?

For a client with iron-deficiency anemia, emphasizing red meat and organ meat is important because these foods are excellent sources of heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant foods. Heme iron is derived from animal sources and includes meat, seafood, and poultry. Red meat, particularly beef, as well as organ meats like liver, are particularly rich in iron and can significantly boost iron levels in the body. Consuming these foods can help replenish iron stores and improve hemoglobin levels in individuals suffering from anemia.

In addition, these sources provide other nutrients important in the formation of red blood cells, such as vitamin B12 and folate, further supporting hematopoiesis. Incorporating them into the diet can be an effective strategy to manage and treat iron-deficiency anemia.