Gastrointestinal Nursing Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal Nursing Questions related questions and content

What condition should the nurse anticipate when caring for a patient with a history of a total gastrectomy?

  • A. Constipation
  • B. Dehydration
  • C. Elevated total serum cholesterol
  • D. Cobalamin (vitamin B ) deficiency
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency. After a total gastrectomy, the patient lacks the intrinsic factor needed for vitamin B12 absorption in the ileum, leading to deficiency. This can result in megaloblastic anemia, neurological symptoms, and fatigue.

A: Constipation is not typically associated with total gastrectomy.
B: Dehydration may occur postoperatively but is not a specific consequence of total gastrectomy.
C: Elevated total serum cholesterol is not a direct effect of total gastrectomy.