A client with a long history of ulcerative colitis takes sulfasalazine to control the condition. the nurse should evaluate the client for which nutritional deficit that can occur as a result of taking this drug?

The right answer is folates deficiency.

Folates are involved in the maturation of red blood cells and the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines. They are necessary for the development of the fetal nervous system. Absorption takes place in the duodenum and the upper part of the jejunum. Enterohepatic circulation of folate occurs.

Folic acid deficiency is common. It may be due to inadequate intakes, malabsorption or the use of various medications. This deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia. Maternal deficiency increases the risk of congenital malformations of the neural tube.