A client is experiencing vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Which statement made by the client reflects a potential effect of this condition on their health?
"I've noticed that my skin has become paler than usual.”
"I've been experiencing a lot of joint pain and stiffness.”
"I often feel lightheaded and dizzy when I stand up quickly.”
"My energy levels have been higher than ever recently.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Pale skin (pallor) is a common symptom of anemia, but it is not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Many types of anemia can lead to paler skin.
Choice B rationale:
Joint pain and stiffness are not typically associated with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
This symptom is more characteristic of other conditions, such as arthritis.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer.
Feeling lightheaded and dizzy when standing up quickly is a common symptom of anemia, including vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Anemia can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to the brain, resulting in dizziness upon sudden position changes.
Choice D rationale:
Higher energy levels are not a typical symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Fatigue and weakness are more common symptoms of this condition.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Serum vitamin B12 level.
Choice A rationale:
Serum folate level does not confirm vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
While both vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies can lead to similar types of anemia (macrocytic and hypochromic), measuring serum folate levels alone will not confirm the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Choice B rationale:
The correct answer is choice B.
A serum vitamin B12 level test is a crucial diagnostic tool for confirming vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
In this case, where the client presents with macrocytic (large) and hypochromic (pale) RBCs with low hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels and an elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV) above 100 fL, a low serum vitamin B12 level would confirm the diagnosis.
Choice C rationale:
Serum homocysteine level can be elevated in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, but it is not a specific test for confirming the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
It may be used as an additional marker, but it should not be the primary test for confirmation.
Choice D rationale:
Reticulocyte count measures the percentage of young, immature red blood cells in the blood and is not a specific test for confirming vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
While anemia is present in this case, it does not provide direct information about the underlying cause, which is best confirmed by measuring serum vitamin B12 levels.
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