Question

The client has chronic alcoholism. He asks the nurse why his doctor put him on folic acid (Folvite) since he promised the doctor that he would stop drinking. What is the best response by the nurse?

1. "You should ask your doctor since you promised him that you would not drink anymore."
2. "You have been drinking instead of eating, and alcohol interferes with folate metabolism in your liver."
3. "You need folic acid to make up for the vitamin B12 deficiency that was caused by your alcoholism."
4. "You need folic acid because you have not been compliant with taking your vitamins and attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings."

Answer 1

The nurse should explain that alcohol interferes with folate metabolism in the liver and supplementing with folic acid can help make up for the deficiency caused by alcohol consumption.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response by the nurse to the client with chronic alcoholism asking why he was put on folic acid (Folvite) despite promising to stop drinking would be option 2. The nurse should explain that alcohol interferes with folate metabolism in the liver and since the client has been drinking instead of eating, he may not be getting enough folate from his diet. Thus, supplementing with folic acid can help make up for the deficiency caused by alcohol consumption.