A 50-year-old patient with pernicious anemia asks why she can't just take a vitamin B12 pill instead of getting an injection. What is the nurse's best response to her question?
A) "Pernicious anemia is caused by the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12."
B) "Oral ingestion of vitamin B12 irritates the GI tract and bleeding could occur."
C) "Pernicious anemia alters mucous membrane lining of the bowel and impairs absorption."
D) "With severe deficiencies like yours, oral vitamin B12 does not work fast enough."
A
Feedback:
Vitamin B12 cannot be taken orally, because one problem with pernicious anemia is an inability by the patient to absorb vitamin B12 due to low levels of intrinsic factor. Other options are incorrect.
You might also like to view...
Which inotrope is administered to increase stress on the heart for a diagnostic echocardiogram?
A) Dopamine B) Dobutamine C) Epinephrine D) Isoproterenol
A(n) __________ in the urethra obstructs the flow of urine and can cause complications in the bladder or upper urinary tract
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
The nurse has been teaching a client about a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Which statement by the client indicates a good understanding of self-management?
a. "After bathing each day, I will inspect my feet and rub lotion between my toes and on my heels." b. "I can store 3 months' worth of insulin at room temperature as long as the bottles are not open." c. "My medical alert bracelet is important to identify me as having diabetes if I am un-conscious." d. "If I travel eastward to see my family, I should plan on using more insulin on the day I travel."
A client reports following the "food pyramid" to guide nutritional intake. How should the nurse evaluate this information?
1. Because this food pyramid is produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the client is likely consuming necessary levels of all essential nutrients. 2. The food pyramid is most useful when applied to the nutritional intake of children. 3. The food pyramid is not very useful because it does not take fluid intake and combination foods into consideration. 4. Following the appropriate food pyramid is helpful, but there are additional factors to consider in a balanced diet.