Question

The nurse provides care for the client who is a strict vegetarian. Which assessment data does the nurse document to support the current diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency? (Select all that apply.)

1. Fatigue.
2. Bradycardia.
3. Hypertension.
4. Constipation.
5. Sore tongue.
6. Diarrhea.

Answer 1

When documenting assessment data for vitamin B12 deficiency in a strict vegetarian patient, the nurse would note both fatigue and a sore tongue, as these are common symptoms associated with this deficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse assessing a strict vegetarian for vitamin B12 deficiency would document several assessment data that support the diagnosis. Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest through various symptoms.

Since vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products, vegetarians and especially vegans are at a higher risk of this deficiency. Among the given options, the typical symptoms related to vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Fatigue.
• Sore tongue.

These symptoms correspond to the common clinical manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency. Fatigue can occur due to anemia, which is a common result of B12 deficiency because the vitamin is crucial for red blood cell formation. A sore tongue, also known as glossitis, is another classic sign that can be associated with this condition.

While options 2 (Bradycardia), 3 (Hypertension), 4 (Constipation), and 6 (Diarrhea) could be related to general health issues, they are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency and are therefore less relevant when diagnosing this particular condition.