Free Pediatric CCRN Practice Questions Related

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In assessing clients for pernicious anemia, the nurse should be alert for which of the following risk factors?

  • A. Positive family history
  • B. Infectious agents or toxins
  • C. Acute or chronic blood loss
  • D. Inadequate dietary intake
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Pernicious anemia is primarily caused by the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor produced by the stomach. However, chronic blood loss can also lead to anemia by depleting the body's iron stores necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. Acute blood loss can quickly lower the hemoglobin levels in the blood, while chronic blood loss can lead to iron-deficiency anemia over time. Therefore, in assessing clients for pernicious anemia, the nurse should be alert for the risk factor of acute or chronic blood loss as a potential cause of anemia.