Question

A client, aged 45 developed gastrointestinal bleeding and is admitted to the hospital. The client complains of weakness in extremities and some memory loss. The client is a known alcoholic. The nurse is aware the physician is likely to order injections of which of the following vitamin?

1) A
2) C
3) Thiamin
4) Riboflavin

Answer 1

The physician is likely to order Thiamin (vitamin B1) injections for the client with gastrointestinal bleeding, weakness, and memory loss, as these symptoms suggest a Thiamin deficiency common in alcoholics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The physician is likely to order injections of Thiamin (vitamin B1) for a client who is a known alcoholic and has developed gastrointestinal bleeding, weakness in extremities, and memory loss. These symptoms could indicate Wernicke's encephalopathy or acute Thiamin deficiency, which is commonly seen in alcoholics.

Thiamin is essential for normal brain function and a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to serious neurological problems. As alcohol consumption can interfere with thiamine absorption and utilization, it is a common practice to supplement thiamine in individuals with heavy alcohol use to prevent complications such as Wernicke's encephalopathy.