CN Wk5, Ex 2 Comprehensive Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, Water, and Electrolytes for Nursing Students

What are the four fat soluble vitamins?

A, D, E, and K

How are fat soluble vitamins stored in the body?

They are stored in the liver and adipose tissue.

What is the risk associated with fat soluble vitamins?

Toxicity is a real risk due to slow deficiency development.

What happens to water soluble vitamins in the body?

They are excreted in urine, leading to faster deficiency development.

What clinical conditions can block fat absorption?

Cholecystectomy, celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, orlistat.

What is the role of antioxidants in nutrition?

Antioxidants protect cells from damage; they include vitamins A, C, E, and selenium.

What are the consequences of megadoses of Vitamin A?

Liver damage, bone pain, hair loss, and birth defects.

What can excessive Vitamin D lead to?

Hypercalcemia, kidney stones, and calcification.

What is a major risk of iron megadoses?

Acute poisoning, a leading cause of poisoning death in young children.

What are the key functions of Vitamin A?

Vision, epithelium maintenance, and immunity.

What deficiency is associated with Vitamin A?

Night blindness and xerophthalmia.

What is the primary function of Vitamin D?

Calcium and phosphorus absorption.

What deficiency is linked to Vitamin D?

Rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

What role does Vitamin E play in the body?

Acts as an antioxidant and protects cell membranes.

What deficiency can occur from a lack of Vitamin E?

Hemolytic anemia in premature infants.

What is the role of Vitamin K?

Essential for clotting factors and prothrombin.

What deficiency symptoms are associated with Vitamin K?

Bleeding, bruising, and prolonged INR.

What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin D for adults?

600 IU for adults, 800 IU after age 70.

What is the absorption site for Vitamin B12?

Ileum, and it requires intrinsic factor.

What are the classic risks associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vegan diet, gastrectomy, ileal resection, metformin, PPIs.

What is the primary role of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)?

Carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.

What deficiency is associated with Thiamine?

Beriberi and Wernicke encephalopathy.

What is the role of Folate (Vitamin B9)?

DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.

What deficiency is linked to Folate?

Megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects.

What is the role of Vitamin C?

Collagen synthesis, wound healing, and antioxidant activity.

What deficiency symptoms are associated with Vitamin C?

Scurvy: bleeding gums, petechiae, and poor healing.

What vitamin improves the absorption of plant iron?

Vitamin C

What substances reduce the absorption of iron?

Tea and coffee tannins

What is the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of calcium for most adults?

1,000 mg

What is the RDA of calcium for women over 50 and everyone over 70?

1,200 mg

What is the maximum amount of calcium that can be absorbed at one time?

About 500 mg

Which form of calcium is preferred after gastric surgery?

Calcium citrate

What type of anemia is caused by iron deficiency?

Microcytic and hypochromic anemia

What are common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

Fatigue, pallor, spoon-shaped nails, glossitis, and pica

What should iron supplements be taken with to enhance absorption?

Orange juice or another vitamin C source

What should not be taken with iron supplements to avoid absorption issues?

Milk, antacids, calcium, tea, or coffee

What is a harmless side effect of iron supplements?

Dark green or black stools

What mineral is important for wound healing and immune function?

Zinc

What deficiency causes goiter?

Iodine deficiency

What is the role of selenium in the body?

Antioxidant

What deficiency can cause anemia that does not respond to iron?

Copper deficiency

What is the effect of chronic alcohol use on nutrient absorption?

Poor intake and impaired absorption and storage

What nutrient is at risk for older adults?

B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron

What nutrients are pregnant women at risk for?

Folate, iron, iodine, calcium

What nutrient is primarily found in animal foods and is at risk for vegans?

Vitamin B12

What should be monitored in patients taking Metformin?

B12 absorption

What is the normal range for sodium?

135 to 145 mEq/L

What is the normal range for potassium?

3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L

What is the normal range for calcium?

9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL

What is the normal range for magnesium?

1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L

What is the normal range for phosphorus?

3.0 to 4.5 mg/dL

What is the primary location of potassium and sodium in the body?

Potassium is mostly inside the cells, while sodium is mostly outside.

What is the average daily intake of water for adults?

About 2,500 mL per day from beverages, food, and metabolic water.

What is the Adequate Intake for total water for men and women?

3.7 L per day for men and 2.7 L per day for women, including food.

What is the minimum acceptable urine output per hour?

30 mL per hour.

What does a 1 kg weight change equate to in terms of fluid volume?

1 liter of fluid.

What is the role of thirst in fluid balance?

Thirst is the first defense mechanism detected by hypothalamic osmoreceptors when blood is concentrated.

What does antidiuretic hormone do?

It tells the kidneys to reabsorb water, acting as the water-saving hormone.

What is the function of aldosterone in fluid balance?

It tells the kidneys to hold sodium, and water follows, while promoting potassium excretion.

What is the final regulator of fluid and electrolyte balance?

The kidneys.

What are common causes of fluid volume deficit?

Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, diuretics, and poor intake.

What are common causes of fluid volume excess?

Heart failure, kidney disease, excess IV fluid, and high sodium.

What is the earliest and most reliable sign of fluid volume excess?

Weight gain.

What vital signs indicate fluid volume deficit?

Tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension.

What urine characteristics indicate fluid volume deficit?

Dark and concentrated urine with a specific gravity above 1.030.

What nursing care is recommended for fluid volume deficit?

Oral rehydration first, treat the cause, daily weights, and monitor intake and output.

What is the recommended action for fluid volume excess?

Sodium and fluid restriction, diuretics, and monitoring vital signs.

What is the normal range for sodium levels?

135 to 145 mEq/L.

What symptoms are associated with low sodium levels?

Confusion, headache, and seizures, usually due to excess water.

What symptoms are associated with high sodium levels?

Thirst, dry sticky membranes, and agitation.

What is the normal range for potassium levels?

3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.

What are the symptoms of low potassium levels?

Weakness, ileus, and flattened T waves on ECG.

What are the symptoms of high potassium levels?

Weakness, peaked T waves, and risk of cardiac arrest.

What is the normal range for calcium levels?

9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL.

What symptoms indicate low calcium levels?

Tetany, Chvostek's sign, and Trousseau's sign.

What symptoms indicate high calcium levels?

Lethargy, constipation, and kidney stones.

What is the normal range for magnesium levels?

1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L.

What are the symptoms of low magnesium levels?

Lost reflexes, hypotension, and respiratory depression.

What is the normal range for phosphorus levels?

3.0 to 4.5 mg/dL.

What is a significant risk when administering intravenous potassium?

Never give intravenous potassium by push; always dilute and infuse on a pump.