A patient who is known to be a heavy drinker is brought to the emergency department, with ataxia and confusion. The patient cannot remember the events of the previous day. The examination reveals nystagmus, and the patient reports having double vision. The nurse will expect to administer which vitamin to this patient? A) Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) IV B) Intramuscular pyridoxine (vitamin B₆) C) Intravenous thiamine (vitamin B₁) D) Nicotinic acid (niacin) PO

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alcoholics who are malnourished have a form of thiamine deficiency called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is characterized by nystagmus, diplopia, ataxia, confusion, and short-term memory loss. Parenteral thiamine is indicated for treatment. Ascorbic acid is given to treat vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy. Pyridoxine is given for vitamin B₆ deficiency, also common in alcoholics, but this patient does not have the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and peripheral neuropathy. Nicotinic acid is used for niacin deficiency, which is characterized by severe dry, rough skin.

A Patient Who Is Known to Be a Heavy Drinker