The client is a vegetarian. What information would the nurse give the client as it relates to the avoidance of vitamin deficiencies?

Question

1. A vegetarian diet is adequate to meet all of your needs, so there should be no vitamin deficiencies.
2. Look at the types of foods eaten on the vegetarian diet and evaluate for possible vitamin B12 sources.
3. Increasing fluids and fiber with the vegetarian diet will help prevent vitamin deficiencies.
4. You are at risk for vitamin C deficiencies by following a vegetarian diet.

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: A vegetarian diet may not be adequate; it depends on the type of vegetarian diet the client is following.
Rationale 2: Vitamin B12 is found only in animal sources, but this does include eggs and dairy products. Some vegetarian diets allow eggs and/or dairy products.
Rationale 3: Increasing fluids and fiber will not help correct any vitamin deficiencies.
Rationale 4: A vegetarian diet is almost never deficient in vitamin C as this vitamin is plentiful in fruits and vegetables.
Global Rationale: Vitamin B12 is found only in animal sources, but this does include eggs and dairy products. Some vegetarian diets allow eggs and/or dairy products. A vegetarian diet may not be adequate; it depends on the type of vegetarian diet the client is following. Increasing fluids and fiber will not help correct any vitamin deficiencies. A vegetarian diet is almost never deficient in vitamin C as this vitamin is plentiful in fruits and vegetables.