Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Integrative Medicine and Alternative Therapies Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Integrative Medicine and Alternative Therapies related questions and content

The client is presently taking a multivitamin and is considering adding a supplement with extra vitamin A to promote eye health. Which is the best response by the nurse?

  • A. Why do you feel the need to take vitamins?
  • B. Let's review the vitamin containers together.
  • C. Some vitamins can have toxic effects.
  • D. Are you experiencing problems with your sight?
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Reviewing the vitamin containers will provide the nurse and client with information on the dosages and whether they fall within the RDA. This can also provide an opportunity for further teaching. Asking the client why they feel the need to take vitamins is not the best response because it can imply that the client has made a wrong decision to take vitamins. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 was passed to 'preserve the consumer's right to choose dietary supplements.' Some vitamins do have toxic effects, including Vitamin A, which is why the best response is for the nurse to review the bottles with the client. Then the nurse can see if the dosage is appropriate or not. Although Vitamin A is associated with improved vision, asking if the client is experiencing vision problems is not the best response.