A nurse is caring for a client who follows a vegan diet. The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following deficiencies?
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Magnesium
Folic acid
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption. It is mainly obtained from exposure to sunlight and animal sources, such as dairy products, eggs, and fish. Vegans are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, especially if they live in areas with limited sunlight or do not take supplements.
Choice B reason: Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and antioxidant activity. It is abundant in plant sources, such as fruits and vegetables. Vegans are not likely to be deficient in vitamin C, unless they have a very restricted diet or a malabsorption disorder.
Choice C reason: Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in many enzymatic reactions, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and bone formation. It is widely distributed in plant and animal foods, such as nuts, seeds, legumes, grains, and green leafy vegetables. Vegans are not prone to magnesium deficiency, unless they have a chronic condition that affects magnesium absorption or excretion.
Choice D reason: Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell production. It is found in fortified grains, cereals, breads, and pasta, as well as in dark green leafy vegetables, beans, and lentils. Vegans are not at risk for folic acid deficiency, as long as they consume enough of these foods or take supplements.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D reason: Tuna is a good source of iodine, which is a mineral that is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that can be caused by iodine deficiency. Eating more iodine-rich foods, such as tuna, can help prevent or treat a goiter.
Choice A reason: Red meat is not a good source of iodine, and it can also be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Eating more red meat is not advisable for a client who has a goiter.
Choice B reason: Blueberries are not a good source of iodine, and they have no direct effect on the thyroid gland or a goiter. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, but they are not a specific food choice for a client who has a goiter.
Choice C reason: Bananas are not a good source of iodine, and they have no direct effect on the thyroid gland or a goiter. Bananas are a good source of potassium and fiber, but they are not a specific food choice for a client who has a goiter.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Prealbumin is a protein that is synthesized by the liver and reflects the current nutritional status of the client. It has a short half-life of 2 to 3 days, which makes it a sensitive indicator of changes in protein intake. Prealbumin levels are decreased in clients who are malnourished or have inflammation, infection, or liver disease. The nurse should monitor the prealbumin levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition to ensure that they are within the normal range of 15 to 36 mg/dL.
Choice B reason: Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell production. Folic acid levels are decreased in clients who have malabsorption, alcoholism, or certain medications, such as methotrexate or phenytoin. The nurse should assess the folic acid levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition, but it is not the priority test to confirm adequate nutrition.
Choice C reason: Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in many enzymatic reactions, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and bone formation. Magnesium levels are decreased in clients who have malnutrition, diarrhea, vomiting, or diuretic use. The nurse should evaluate the magnesium levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition, but it is not the priority test to confirm adequate nutrition.
Choice D reason: Transferrin is a protein that transports iron in the blood and reflects the iron stores of the client. Transferrin levels are decreased in clients who have iron deficiency anemia, chronic disease, or liver disease. The nurse should check the transferrin levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition, but it is not the priority test to confirm adequate nutrition.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today