QUESTION: "A client asks the nurse why vitamin C intake is so important during pregnancy. Which of the following would be the nurse's best response?"
CHOICES
( O ) a.) "Vitamin C is required to promote blood clot and collagen formation."
( X ) b.) "Supplemental vitamin C in large doses can prevent neural tube defects."
( X ) c.) "Eating moderate amounts of foods high in vitamin C helps metabolize fats and carbohydrates."
( X ) d.) "Studies have shown that vitamin C helps the growth of fetal bones."
RATIONALE: Vitamin C is required to promote blood clot and collagen formation. Vitamin C deficiency has been associated with premature rupture of the membranes and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Folic acid supplementation, not vitamin C, is recommended to prevent neural tube defects. High doses of vitamin C are not recommended because neonates exposed to excessive doses of vitamin C have developed symptoms of scurvy after birth. Also, high doses of vitamin C do not prevent the fetus from becoming infected. Vitamin C does not help to metabolize carbohydrates. However, thiamine, a B vitamin, is a coenzyme involved with carbohydrate metabolism. Calcium in conjunction with phosphorus, not vitamin C, plays a role in fetal bone growth. NURSING PROCESS STEP: Implementation CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Basic care and comfort
