A client is experiencing vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Which statement made by the client reflects a potential effect of this condition on their health?

Choice A rationale:

Following a strict vegan diet can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency as it is primarily found in animal products.

However, the patient's recent gastrectomy is a more likely cause of their condition.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer.

A gastrectomy can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach, leading to a deficiency.

Choice C rationale:

Regular use of acid-suppressing drugs may affect the absorption of some nutrients, including vitamin B12, but it is not as direct a cause as a gastrectomy.

Choice D rationale:

Family history of pernicious anemia indicates a genetic predisposition, but it may not be the direct cause in this case.

The gastrectomy is a more likely cause.

Choice A rationale:

Limit alcohol consumption is a crucial action to include in the client's self-care plan to prevent the recurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 in the body.

Alcohol can damage the lining of the stomach and the small intestine, where vitamin B12 is absorbed.

By limiting alcohol consumption, the client can improve their absorption of vitamin B12, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Choice C rationale:

Consuming foods high in vitamin C is another important action to prevent the recurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Vitamin C can enhance the absorption of vitamin B12 in the body.

Including vitamin C-rich foods in the diet can help improve the body's ability to absorb the vitamin B12 from dietary sources.

This is especially important for individuals who may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 due to underlying conditions.

Choice E rationale:

Monitoring for signs of infection is a relevant action in the self-care plan for preventing recurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Infections can lead to anemia by affecting the production of red blood cells.

By monitoring for signs of infection and promptly seeking medical treatment if any signs or symptoms arise, the client can reduce the risk of anemia caused or exacerbated by infections.

Choice B rationale:

Avoiding foods rich in vitamin B12 is not a recommended action for preventing the recurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

In fact, it is counterproductive because the client with this deficiency should aim to increase their intake of vitamin B12-rich foods or supplements to correct the deficiency.

Choice D rationale:

Maintaining a diet low in iron is also not a recommended action for preventing the recurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, and individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia may have concurrent iron deficiency anemia.

Limiting iron intake can exacerbate the anemia and is not advisable.