An 8-month-old with Phenylketonuria is to be discharged. On the discharge instructions, the nurse should include which foods that should be avoided?

Explanation

•Children with PKU must avoid foods high in phenylalanine, which includes milk, soy, eggs, meat, fish, beans, cheese, chocolate, and regular grains.

•PKU is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. The absence of the liver enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase prevents the conversion of phenylalanine, an essential amino acid, into tyrosine. As a result, excessive phenylalanine builds up in the bloodstream and tissues causing permanent damage to brain tissue.

•The parent's must calculate the total intake of phenylalanine in foods they feed their child that contain a moderate amount of phenylalanine. These foods are allowed but must be moderated are: bananas, potatoes, PKU milk, concentrated fruit juices, and ice cream.

•Foods that can be eaten without calculation of phenylalanine include most fruits, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, butter and margarine, and low-protein grains.

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