While the nurse is performing a nutritional assessment her patient states, "I am on a vegan diet. I have been a vegan for 10 years. What do think?" What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

a. "Is this a religious or cultural requirement for you?"
b. "It is fine; however, you may not be getting all the nutrients you need."
c. "Can you tell me about the foods you eat along with any other supplements you take?"
d. "I think it is your right to be on whatever diet you would like to be on."

Answer 1

C
The most appropriate response by the nurse is to first assess what the patient is eating and what supplements the patient uses. This will assist the nurse in identifying the patient's knowledge level of the diet and in identifying proper supplements. The nurse cannot assume that although the patient is following a specific diet, she is obtaining the proper nutrition. Asking the patient whether this is a religious or cultural requirement may be judgmental, is a closed question, and will not elicit information regarding specific dietary intake. All vegetarian diets exclude red meat and poultry, but beyond this distinction is a wide spectrum of vegetarian diets. Vegans eat only foods of plant origin. When choosing a vegetarian diet, one cannot use animal products, such as eggs and milk, to supply necessary nutrients. For example, vegans must eat foods fortified with B12 or take B12 supplements because a deficiency can result in severe and irreversible neurological impairment. Other nutrients that may be inadequately supplied in vegan diets include vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc. It is certainly an individual's right to make his or her own choices regarding diet; however, this response again will not assist the nurse in conducting a thorough nutritional assessment.