A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
The patient complains of soreness, redness, and smoothness of the tongue.
What distinctive feature of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia does this symptom indicate?
Dyspnea.
Numbness and tingling of extremities.
Glossitis.
Memory loss.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Dyspnea.
Rationale: Dyspnea refers to difficulty breathing and is not a characteristic symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia are primarily related to the blood and nervous system.
Choice B rationale:
Numbness and tingling of extremities.
Rationale: Numbness and tingling of extremities (peripheral neuropathy) can be a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, but it is not related to the specific complaint of soreness, redness, and smoothness of the tongue mentioned in the question.
Choice C rationale:
Glossitis.
Rationale: This is the correct answer.
Glossitis refers to inflammation of the tongue, which can result in soreness, redness, and a smooth appearance of the tongue.
It is a distinctive feature of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, as vitamin B12 plays a role in maintaining the health of the oral mucosa and nerves.
Choice D rationale:
Memory loss.
Rationale: Memory loss is not a typical symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Symptoms related to the nervous system, such as numbness and tingling, are more common neurological manifestations of the condition.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Include more leafy green vegetables in your diet." Rationale: This statement is incorrect because leafy green vegetables are not a significant source of vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy.
Leafy green vegetables are sources of other essential nutrients like folate, but they do not contain vitamin B12.
Choice B rationale:
"Increase your consumption of red meat and poultry." Rationale: This is the correct answer.
Red meat and poultry are excellent dietary sources of vitamin B12.
Consuming these foods can help individuals increase their vitamin B12 intake, which is crucial for addressing vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Choice C rationale:
"Avoid dairy products to prevent exacerbating the deficiency." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
Dairy products are a good source of vitamin B12, and avoiding them may worsen a vitamin B12 deficiency.
It is important to include dairy products in the diet, especially for individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Choice D rationale:
"Consume more citrus fruits for their vitamin B12 content." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
Citrus fruits are not a source of vitamin B12.
They are known for their vitamin C content, but vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should encourage the client with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia to consume foods rich in vitamin B12.
Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and fortified cereals are excellent sources of vitamin B12.
Including these foods in the diet can help increase vitamin B12 intake and support the treatment of the deficiency.
Choice B rationale:
Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C are not directly related to increasing vitamin B12 intake.
Vitamin C is essential for iron absorption, but it does not provide vitamin B12.
Encouraging the consumption of vitamin C-rich foods is important for iron-deficiency anemia, not vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Choice C rationale:
Dairy products and nuts are not primary sources of vitamin B12.
While they offer other essential nutrients, they do not provide significant amounts of vitamin B12.
Therefore, they should not be the primary focus when trying to increase vitamin B12 intake.
Choice D rationale:
Foods high in iron and calcium, while important for overall health, are not the primary focus when addressing vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Iron and calcium-rich foods are more relevant to iron-deficiency anemia and bone health, respectively.
The primary focus for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia should be on foods rich in vitamin B12, as mentioned in choice A.
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