The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic alcoholism. Which vitamins should the nurse expect this patient to be prescribed?

Question

Select all that apply.
1. thiamine (vitamin B1)
2. folic acid
3. cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12)
4. vitamin E
5. potassium chloride

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2

Patients using alcohol over a long period of time will have a vitamin deficiency, especially of thiamine and folic acid. These two vitamins help prevent Wernicke encephalopathy. The other vitamins may be important, but would be found in a multivitamin. Potassium chloride is incorrect as it is a mineral/electrolyte.