The nurse should include in the patient's teaching plan that if the patient does not take the vitamin B12, which one of the following will develop?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is a condition caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 absorption due to the lack of intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for B12 absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. If a patient does not take vitamin B12, they can develop pernicious anemia. This condition leads to the inability to produce enough healthy red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Symptoms of pernicious anemia include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale or yellowish skin. It is important for patients to take vitamin B12 supplements or receive injections if they are unable to absorb the vitamin properly in order to prevent or treat pernicious anemia.