A pregnant client asks the nurse if she can take vitamin supplements in addition to her prenatal vitamins. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. "As long as you meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA) requirements, there will be no problem."
2. "The prenatal vitamins supply all the vitamins you need during your pregnancy."
3. "This is dangerous; we need to do an ultrasound of your baby."
4. "Bring in your vitamins on the next visit so we can include them in your chart."

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Additional vitamins could lead to toxicity; the client should not take additional vitamin supplements as the RDA requirements are met by the prenatal vitamins.
Rationale 2: Prenatal vitamins supply all the vitamins a client needs during a pregnancy; there is no need for additional supplementation.
Rationale 3: An ultrasound of the baby is premature, and this comment would unnecessarily alarm the client.
Rationale 4: Additional vitamins could lead to toxicity and be dangerous for the fetus; the nurse should not tell the client the vitamins will be included in the chart.
Global Rationale: Prenatal vitamins supply all the vitamins a client needs during a pregnancy; there is no need for additional supplementation. Additional vitamins could lead to toxicity; the client should not take additional vitamin supplements as the RDA requirements are met by the prenatal vitamins. An ultrasound of the baby is premature, and this comment would unnecessarily alarm the client. Additional vitamins could lead to toxicity and be dangerous for the fetus; the nurse should not tell the client the vitamins will be included in the chart.