A nurse is responsible for the follow-up care of a client with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize to monitor the effectiveness of treatment?

Choice C rationale:

Regular blood tests to check hemoglobin and vitamin B12 levels should be prioritized to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Monitoring hemoglobin levels can assess the improvement in anemia, while monitoring vitamin B12 levels can confirm that the deficiency is being adequately corrected.

Regular blood tests provide objective data on the client's response to treatment and help healthcare providers adjust the treatment plan if needed.

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring blood glucose levels is not a priority assessment for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

While vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms and affect glucose metabolism, the primary focus of monitoring in this context should be on anemia-related parameters, such as hemoglobin and vitamin B12 levels.

Choice B rationale:

Checking urine for protein is not a relevant assessment for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Proteinuria is a finding associated with kidney dysfunction and is not directly related to the evaluation of anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency.

Choice D rationale:

Measuring bone density is not a priority assessment for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Bone density assessment is typically used to evaluate bone health and the risk of osteoporosis, which is not a primary concern in the context of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

The focus should be on hematological parameters and neurological symptoms associated with the deficiency.

They are neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Choice A rationale:

These neuropsychiatric symptoms are actually related to vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms, including confusion, irritability, and depression.

It is not unrelated to the condition.

Choice B rationale:

Gastrointestinal symptoms are not the primary manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Choice C rationale:

Glossitis is a common sign of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, but it primarily involves inflammation and changes in the tongue.

While glossitis is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, it does not fully explain the neuropsychiatric symptoms mentioned in the question.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer is choice D.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as confusion, irritability, and depression are indeed associated with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.