Medical Surgical NCLEX RN Related

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A client with pernicious anemia asks why she must take vitamin B12 injections for the rest of her life. Which is the nurse's best response?

  • A. The reason for your vitamin deficiency is an inability to absorb the vitamin because the stomach is not producing sufficient acid.'
  • B. The reason for your vitamin deficiency is an inability to absorb the vitamin because the stomach is not producing sufficient intrinsic factor.'
  • C. The reason for your vitamin deficiency is an excessive excretion of the vitamin because of kidney dysfunction.'
  • D. The reason for your vitamin deficiency is an increased requirement for the vitamin because of rapid red blood cell production.'
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Pernicious anemia results from a lack of intrinsic factor, a gastric protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption. This necessitates lifelong B12 injections, as oral supplements are ineffective. The other responses are incorrect, as stomach acid, kidney dysfunction, or increased B12 demand are not the primary causes.