A client who is known to have abused alcohol for a long time has been admitted to an acute care unit. The nurse will want to assess the client for which of the following signs that might indicate a vitamin deficiency?

Question

1. Projectile vomiting and diarrhea
2. Blurred vision and difficulty seeing in the dark
3. Numbness and tingling along with loss of balance
4. Wide fluctuations in blood glucose
5. Extreme tiredness and irritability

Answer 1

3, Numbness and tingling along with loss of balance; 5, Extreme tiredness and irritability
Rationale: Vomiting and diarrhea are not usually related to vitamin deficiency, although prolonged periods of either may produce a fluid and electrolyte deficiency. Visual problems are most often associated with vitamin A deficiency. Blood glucose fluctuations are related to macronutrient intake, especially carbohydrates. Alcoholism is the most frequent cause of thiamine deficiency. Thiamine deficiency alters nervous system functioning, resulting in problems with numbness, tingling in the extremities, loss of balance (ataxia), muscle weakness, and other neurological changes. Early signs of thiamine deficiency include headaches, extreme fatigue, and irritability.