A client with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is prescribed vitamin B12 injections.
What is the primary reason for administering vitamin B12 via injections rather than oral supplements?
Oral supplements are less effective in raising vitamin B12 levels.
Injections are less painful for the client.
Injections have fewer side effects.
Oral supplements may cause gastrointestinal distress.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Oral supplements are less effective in raising vitamin B12 levels.
Rationale: Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia often results from malabsorption issues in the gastrointestinal tract, where the body cannot adequately absorb vitamin B12 from the digestive system.
In such cases, oral supplements may not be effective because they rely on the digestive system for absorption.
In contrast, vitamin B12 injections bypass the gastrointestinal tract, delivering the vitamin directly into the bloodstream, ensuring absorption, and increasing the effectiveness of treatment.
Choice B rationale:
Injections are less painful for the client.
Rationale: While the pain associated with injections can vary from person to person, it is not the primary reason for choosing injections over oral supplements in the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
The primary consideration is the effectiveness of absorption, as discussed in Choice A's rationale.
Choice C rationale:
Injections have fewer side effects.
Rationale: Both oral supplements and vitamin B12 injections have their own set of potential side effects, but the choice between the two primarily depends on the underlying cause of the deficiency and the ability to absorb vitamin B12.
Therefore, the assertion that injections have fewer side effects is not the primary reason for choosing them.
Choice D rationale:
Oral supplements may cause gastrointestinal distress.
Rationale: This is the correct answer.
Oral supplements of vitamin B12 may cause gastrointestinal distress, particularly in individuals with gastrointestinal issues.
These supplements can be hard for some individuals to tolerate, leading to discomfort, gas, or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
This is a significant consideration when choosing the route of administration for vitamin B12 treatment.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
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.
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.
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