Question 1

A patient's physical assessment reveals cheilosis, glossitis, vascularization of the cornea, and pruritic dermatitis of the scrotum and vulva. The provider will test for which vitamin deficiency?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, such as cheilosis, glossitis, and dermatitis, are indicative of a riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency. Riboflavin is crucial for skin health and mucous membranes.

Question 2

The provider prescribes iron supplements to treat a patient's anemia. The provider advises the patient to take the iron with which food to facilitate absorption?

Accepted Answer

Orange juice is high in vitamin C, which can enhance the absorption of iron from supplements and plant sources.

Question 3

A patient who is malnourished reports difficulty seeing at night. The provider will order a laboratory test that checks for a deficiency of which fat-soluble vitamin?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty seeing at night, also known as night blindness, is a symptom of Vitamin A (retinol) deficiency. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision.

Question 4

A patient is prescribed an immunosuppressant for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The prescriber will caution this patient to avoid which dietary supplement?

Accepted Answer

Echinacea is known to stimulate the immune system, which can counteract the effects of immunosuppressants prescribed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Patients on immunosuppressants are generally advised to avoid substances that boost the immune system to prevent interference with their medication's intended effects.

Question 5

A patient with postoperative hemorrhage admits taking, but not reporting, multiple dietary supplements. Which dietary supplement does the provider identify as a likely contributor to the patient's bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Ginkgo biloba has blood-thinning properties, which can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in patients undergoing surgery or taking other blood-thinning medications.

Question 6

A patient uses St. John's wort in addition to regular prescription drugs. Which effect of this dietary supplement would most concern the provider?

Accepted Answer

St. John's wort is known to induce the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which can accelerate the metabolism of many drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness and leading to subtherapeutic drug levels.

Question 7

A patient is prescribed medication for hyperlipidemia. The patient asks about using flaxseed supplements to increase fiber. What response will the provider give this patient?

Accepted Answer

Flaxseed is high in fiber and can interfere with the absorption of medications if taken simultaneously. Advising the patient to take flaxseed 1 hour before their medication helps minimize this interaction, ensuring the medication's efficacy is not compromised.

Question 8

A patient who uses nutritional therapy to manage an elevated cholesterol level reports experiencing flushing after taking these supplements. The provider will question the patient concerning intake of which vitamin?

Accepted Answer

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, can cause flushing when taken in high doses, which is a common side effect reported by individuals using it to manage elevated cholesterol levels.

Question 9

A patient is prescribed phentermine and topiramate to help with weight loss. When the patient asks why topiramate is necessary, how will the provider respond?

Accepted Answer

Topiramate helps produce feelings of satiety, which can augment the appetite-suppressing effects of phentermine, thereby enhancing the overall efficacy of the treatment for weight loss.

Question 10

The provider prescribes orlistat for a patient with a body mass index of 30. Which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of this drug's actions?

Accepted Answer

Orlistat works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats, which can lead to an increase in undigested fat in the colon and potentially cause fecal incontinence. Taking a bulk-forming laxative can help reduce this side effect by absorbing water in the intestines, making stool bulkier and less likely to leak involuntarily.

Question 11

A patient has a 3% weight loss after taking phentermine and topiramate for 6 months. What action will the provider take in response to the weight loss?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient has a 3% weight loss...

Question 12

A patient takes orlistat, warfarin], and levothyroxine What action will the provider take based on this medication history?

Accepted Answer

Orlistat can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, so it is recommended to take levothyroxine at least 4 hours before orlistat to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness of the thyroid medication.

Question 13

A patient who recently immigrated from a third world country is thin and malnourished. The provider notes that the patient has loose and missing teeth, gingivitis, and bleeding gums as well as multiple sores and ecchymoses. What vitamin deficiency does the provider suspect?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, such as loose and missing teeth, gingivitis, bleeding gums, sores, and ecchymoses, are indicative of scurvy, which is caused by a deficiency in Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid).

Question 14

A pregnant patient asks about the risks and benefits of using ginger root to treat morning sickness during pregnancy. After a discussion with the provider, which patient's statement indicates a need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

Ginger root does not decrease the risk of bleeding; in fact, it can potentially increase the risk of bleeding due to its antiplatelet properties. This misconception indicates a need for further teaching.

Question 15

A patient with severe alcohol use disorder is brought to the emergency department with ataxia, double-vision, and confusion. The examination reveals nystagmus. Which vitamin will the provider prescribe?

Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms suggest Wernicke's encephalopathy, a condition associated with thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency often seen in severe alcohol use disorder. Intravenous thiamine is the appropriate treatment to prevent progression to Korsakoff syndrome.

Question 16

A patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 is prescribed orlistat. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching provided by the provider?

Accepted Answer

Orlistat works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats, which can lead to a deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Taking a multivitamin containing these vitamins is recommended to prevent deficiencies.

Question 17

A patient admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain tells the provider he has been taking kava. Which action will the provider take based on this information?

Accepted Answer

Kava has been associated with liver toxicity, including severe liver damage, hepatitis, and liver failure in some cases. Therefore, ordering liver function studies is an appropriate action to assess for potential liver damage in a patient who has been consuming kava.

Question 18

A pregnant patient discusses nutrition and vitamin supplements with her provider. Which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of the use of nutrition and supplements during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Excessive amounts of vitamin A during pregnancy can indeed cause birth defects, so it is important for pregnant women to monitor their intake of this vitamin.

Question 19

A female patient with type 1 diabetes and obesity is prescribed lorcaserin to help with weight loss. What statement will the provide include when teaching this patient about lorcaserin?

Accepted Answer

Lorcaserin can affect blood sugar levels, making it necessary for patients, especially those with diabetes, to monitor their blood glucose levels more closely to avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Quiz 17: Nutrition and Complimentary Therapies