Author Question: The school health nurse is discussing vitamin supplements with a group of parents at the monthly PTO ... (Read 63 times)

nevelica · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The school health nurse is discussing vitamin supplements with a group of parents at the monthly PTO meeting. What concept would the nurse include in the teaching about vitamin C?

1. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron when the two are taken together.
2. Vitamin C will prevent the symptoms of the common cold.
3. Vitamin C is synthesized in all mammals and not required as a supplement.
4. Vitamin C should be taken in large doses to reach therapeutic level rapidly.

Question 2

Which client would the nurse encourage to increase intake of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)?

1. A client with insomnia due to work-related tension
2. A client with thinning hair and baldness
3. A postmenopausal older female client
4. A client with wounds from a motorcycle accident

Swizqar · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron when the two are taken concurrently.
Rationale 2: Vitamin C might only reduce the severity and duration of the common cold.
Rationale 3: Unlike most mammals, humans are unable to synthesize ascorbic acid.
Rationale 4: Large doses of vitamin C should be taken in divided amounts because the body only uses what is needed and the rest is excreted.
Global Rationale: Iron can be supplemented using various pharmacologic preparations, which often have ascorbic acid added to improve the absorption of PO iron. Vitamin C might only reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. Unlike most mammals, humans are unable to synthesize ascorbic acid. Large doses of vitamin C should be taken in divided amounts because the body only uses what is needed and the rest is excreted.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Ascorbic acid is not an appropriate treatment for insomnia.
Rationale 2: No evidence exists that vitamin C is a remedy for thinning hair or baldness.
Rationale 3: Postmenopausal women are not required to take more than normal doses of vitamin C.
Rationale 4: Vitamin C helps maintain the functions of the immune system for improved wound healing.
Global Rationale: Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis and maintenance of collagen and intercellular ground substance of body tissues, blood vessels, cartilage, bones, teeth, skin, and tendons. It is not used for insomnia, thinning hair, or baldness. There is no indication that postmenopausal women should take additional vitamin C.