A client with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia has underlying gastric disorders contributing to the deficiency.
What is an essential aspect of the client's treatment plan?
Vitamin B12 supplementation only.
Treatment of underlying gastric disorders.
Intramuscular injections of iron.
Folate supplementation.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice B rationale:
Treatment of underlying gastric disorders is an essential aspect of the client's treatment plan for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia when there are underlying gastric disorders contributing to the deficiency.
In such cases, the root cause of the deficiency is the impaired absorption of vitamin B12 due to gastric issues.
Simply providing vitamin B12 supplementation alone may not be effective because the absorption problem needs to be addressed.
Treating the underlying gastric disorders can improve the client's ability to absorb vitamin B12 from their diet or supplements, ultimately correcting the deficiency.
Choice A rationale:
Vitamin B12 supplementation alone may not be sufficient if there are underlying gastric disorders contributing to the deficiency.
While vitamin B12 supplementation is necessary to address the immediate deficiency, it does not address the root cause of the problem, which is the impaired absorption of vitamin B12 in the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice C rationale:
Intramuscular injections of iron are not indicated for the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Iron is used to treat iron deficiency anemia, which is a separate condition from vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Using iron injections in a client with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia without iron deficiency could lead to iron overload and other complications.
Choice D rationale:
Folate supplementation is not the primary treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
While folate (or folic acid) is essential for red blood cell production, it does not address the specific deficiency of vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 and folate are related but distinct nutrients, and vitamin B12 supplementation is the primary treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assessing vital signs is important for overall patient assessment, but it is not the most crucial aspect when identifying signs of pallor or jaundice.
Vital signs help in evaluating the patient's general condition and stability.
Choice B rationale:
Heart sounds are important for assessing cardiac function and may provide information on the patient's cardiovascular status, but they are not the most crucial aspect when identifying signs of pallor or jaundice.
Choice C rationale:
Lung sounds are essential for evaluating the respiratory status of the patient, but they do not directly help in identifying signs of pallor or jaundice.
Choice D rationale:
The correct choice is D.
When assessing a patient with suspected vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, it is crucial to examine the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes.
Pallor (pale skin) and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) are common signs of anemia, and these can be detected through the inspection of the skin, mucous membranes (such as the inside of the mouth), and the whites of the eyes (sclera)
These signs are indicative of an underlying health issue, and identifying them is essential for the diagnosis and management of anemia.
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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