Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions related questions and content

A client who has had gastrectomy is not producing sufficient intrinsic factor. The nurse interprets that the client has lost the ability to absorb cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in the

  • A. Stomach.
  • B. Small intestine.
  • C. Large intestine.
  • D. Colon.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Small intestine. After a gastrectomy, where the stomach is removed or bypassed, intrinsic factor production is reduced, impacting the absorption of vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor is necessary for the absorption of B12 in the small intestine, specifically in the ileum. If vitamin B12 is not absorbed in the small intestine, it can lead to pernicious anemia. Therefore, the small intestine is crucial for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the absence of intrinsic factor. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the stomach, large intestine, and colon do not play a significant role in the absorption of vitamin B12.