Question

A 24-year-old woman is in the 10th week of her pregnancy. She has persistent nausea and vomiting for the past 6 weeks that has been associated with a 10% weight loss. Her nausea and vomiting is refractory to a 48 hour trial of anti-emetics and IV fluids. The decision to provide nutritional support is made to minimize further deterioration of the mother's nutritional status and possible negative effects on the fetus. What vitamin should be supplemented in this patient before providing nutrition support?

1: B12
2: Thiamin
3: Vitamin E
4: Vitamin C

Answer 1

Before initiating nutritional support for severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, thiamin (Vitamin B1) should be supplemented to prevent possible thiamin deficiency and Wernicke's encephalopathy. The correct option is 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vitamin that should be supplemented before providing nutritional support to a 24-year-old woman in the 10th week of her pregnancy, experiencing severe nausea and vomiting, is thiamin (Vitamin B1).

This is essential because thiamin deficiency can occur rapidly, especially in the context of hyperemesis gravidarum (severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy), which can lead to Wernicke's encephalopathy, a serious neurological condition.

Thiamin is a critical micronutrient that helps to convert food into energy, and is necessary for optimal neurological function. Therefore, it is essential to ensure adequate thiamin levels in the mother to prevent possible complications before initiating aggressive nutritional support. The correct option is 2.