A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to a client who has phenylketonuria (PKU) and is planning a pregnancy. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the discussion?

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.

Choice A reason: Increased cholesterol is not an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. The nurse should expect the client's cholesterol level to decrease as a result of the weight loss program, as it can lower the production and absorption of cholesterol in the body.

Choice B reason: Increased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is not an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is a measure of the average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. The nurse should expect the client's HbA1c level to decrease as a result of the weight loss program, as it can improve the insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism of the body.

Choice C reason: Increased LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is not an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is the "bad" cholesterol that can accumulate in the arteries and cause atherosclerosis. The nurse should expect the client's LDL level to decrease as a result of the weight loss program, as it can reduce the synthesis and secretion of LDL in the liver.

Choice D reason: Increased HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is the "good" cholesterol that can remove excess cholesterol from the blood and transport it to the liver for excretion. The nurse should expect the client's HDL level to increase as a result of the weight loss program, as it can enhance the activity and expression of HDL in the body.