When assessing a patient for malnutrition the nurse would monitor for increase in liver enzymes and a decrease in which water soluble vitamin?

When assessing a patient for malnutrition the nurse would monitor for increase in liver enzymes and a decrease in which water soluble vitamin?

• A. Vitamin B6
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin B12
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

In malnutrition, the body’s tissues are not getting enough nutrients, and the liver can become stressed, which shows up as higher liver enzyme levels. Water-soluble vitamins are especially vulnerable because they aren’t stored in large amounts and are rapidly depleted with poor intake or absorption. Among commonly affected water-soluble vitamins, deficits can occur with B6, vitamin C, and vitamin B12. Because malnutrition can lead to decreases in multiple water-soluble vitamins, all of the above best fits the scenario.

In malnutrition, the body’s tissues are not getting enough nutrients, and the liver can become stressed, which shows up as higher liver enzyme levels. Water-soluble vitamins are especially vulnerable because they aren’t stored in large amounts and are rapidly depleted with poor intake or absorption. Among commonly affected water-soluble vitamins, deficits can occur with B6, vitamin C, and vitamin B12. Because malnutrition can lead to decreases in multiple water-soluble vitamins, all of the above best fits the scenario.