A 49-year-old female patient presents to the nurse practitioner with new onset iron deficiency anemia. Which meal plan would reflect the patient’s understanding of an appropriate diet?

Choice A reason: Egg whites and soy milk contain minimal heme iron and coffee can inhibit iron absorption, making this plan insufficient for iron repletion. Choice B reason: While pork contains some heme iron, the meal lacks variety and plant sources rich in iron, and desserts do not contribute significant iron. Choice C reason: Chicken salad provides limited heme iron and potato salad is low in iron; overall, the meal does not adequately support iron repletion. Choice D reason: This meal includes both heme iron (steak) and non-heme iron (spinach, beans, raisins, apricots), and vitamin C from fruits enhances absorption, reflecting proper dietary understanding for iron deficiency anemia.