Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What is the most appropriate discharge teaching for a child diagnosed with celiac disease?

1. Eliminating corn, rice, and millet from the diet

2. Adding iron, folic acid and fat-soluble vitamins to the diet

3. Reinforcing the short-term nature of the disease and dietary restrictions

4. Eliminating wheat, rye, barley, and oats from the diet

The correct answer is: Eliminating wheat, rye, barley, and oats from the diet

The primary concern for a child diagnosed with celiac disease is the need to avoid gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, barley, and, in some forms, oats. When teaching about dietary changes, the focus should be on strictly eliminating these grains from the child's diet to prevent damaging the intestinal lining and to avoid the associated symptoms and complications. This dietary restriction is lifelong, and adherence is essential for managing the condition successfully. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to inflammation and damage in the small intestine. Therefore, emphasizing the removal of gluten-containing foods from the diet is crucial for the child's health and overall well-being. This teaching helps to empower families to make informed food choices and prevent the harmful effects of gluten exposure. The other options discuss diet changes that may not directly address the primary need for celiac management or may imply incorrect dietary practices, misleading families about the seriousness of the disease or the nature of its management. For example, eliminating corn, rice, and millet might suggest a misunderstanding of gluten-free grains that are safe for a person with celiac disease.