A nurse is assisting with a class about the long-term effects of childhood obesity.
Which of the following conditions should the nurse include as a potential complication of childhood obesity?

Choice A rationale
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for many functions in the body, including cell growth and division, amino acid metabolism, and the formation of white and red blood cells. However, it is not the treatment for pernicious anemia.
Choice B rationale
Pernicious anemia is a condition where the body cannot absorb enough vitamin B12 in the small intestine, causing a drop in red blood cells. Treatment for pernicious anemia involves vitamin B12 injections or oral supplementation to restore levels to an optimal range, followed by continued injections or oral medications to maintain these levels.
Choice C rationale
Vitamin C is essential for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It’s involved in many body functions, including the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth. However, it is not the treatment for pernicious anemia.
Choice D rationale
Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. For example, iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein which carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. However, it is not the treatment for pernicious anemia.

Choice A rationale

Acute pancreatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstones, which can become lodged in a bile or pancreatic duct and cause inflammation. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder, and when they block the ducts leading from the gallbladder to the intestines, they can cause sharp pain in the upper abdomen that quickly worsens. This pain can radiate to the back, another common symptom of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, a history of gallstones is a significant factor to anticipate in a client with acute pancreatitis.
Choice B rationale
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus causing heartburn and other symptoms. While GERD can lead to discomfort and complications like esophagitis, it does not typically cause acute pancreatitis.
Choice C rationale
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar for energy. While diabetes can lead to a host of health complications, it is not typically a direct cause of acute pancreatitis.
Choice D rationale
Shock is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrients for your cells and organs. Shock can be a result of severe acute pancreatitis, but it is not a cause.