The client with pernicious anemia asks why vitamin B12 injections are necessary. What is the best response by the nurse?
Vitamin B12 contributes to the increased production of RBCs after significant blood loss.
Vitamin B12 is needed to prevent excessive production of red blood cells.
Vitamin B12 is needed to prevent RBCs from sticking together.
Your stomach does not provide a substance necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Vitamin B12 does not contribute to the increased production of RBCs after significant blood loss. Vitamin B12 is a type of vitamin that is essential for the normal formation and maturation of red blood cells (RBCs), which carry oxygen throughout the body. ¹ However, vitamin B12 does not increase the production of RBCs in response to blood loss. That is the role of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more RBCs. ²
Choice B reason: Vitamin B12 is not needed to prevent excessive production of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is needed for the normal production of red blood cells, not for the prevention of overproduction. Excessive production of red blood cells, also known as polycythemia, can cause the blood to become thick and viscous, increasing the risk of clotting and stroke. ³ Polycythemia can be caused by various factors, such as smoking, dehydration, or genetic mutations, but not by a lack of vitamin B12.
Choice C reason: Vitamin B12 is not needed to prevent RBCs from sticking together. Vitamin B12 is needed for the normal formation and maturation of RBCs, not for the prevention of aggregation. RBCs can stick together and form clumps, also known as rouleaux, which can impair blood flow and oxygen delivery. Rouleaux can be caused by various factors, such as inflammation, infection, or cancer, but not by a lack of vitamin B12.
Choice D reason: Vitamin B12 is needed for the normal formation and maturation of RBCs, but it cannot be absorbed by the body without a substance called intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein that is produced by the stomach and binds to vitamin B12, allowing it to be absorbed by the small intestine. ¹ Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that occurs when the stomach does not produce enough intrinsic factor, leading to vitamin B12 deficiency. The only way to treat pernicious anemia is by giving vitamin B12 injections, which bypass the need for intrinsic factor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: A history of cardiac disease is not directly related to enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Cardiac disease may affect the heart, blood vessels, and circulation, but not the lymphatic system. ¹
Choice B reason: A recent infection is a possible cause of enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system and they swell when they are fighting an infection. ² The nurse should ask the client about any signs or symptoms of infection, such as fever, sore throat, or skin rash.
Choice C reason: Shortness of breath is not directly related to enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Shortness of breath may indicate a respiratory problem, such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. ³ However, these conditions do not usually affect the lymph nodes in the armpit area.
Choice D reason: Surgery on the neck is not directly related to enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Surgery on the neck may affect the lymph nodes in the neck or the collarbone area, but not the lymph nodes in the armpit area. The nurse should ask the client about any history of surgery or trauma to the lymph nodes or the surrounding tissues.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pregnancy can increase the frequency and severity of sickle cell crises⁵⁶. Regular prenatal care is especially important for women with sickle cell disease⁵⁶. Therefore, it's crucial for a young female adult with sickle cell anemia to be aware that pregnancy increases the risk of crisis.
Choice B reason: Low oxygen levels can trigger a sickle cell crisis³. Therefore, avoiding travel to cities where the oxygen level is lower can help prevent crises.
Choice C reason: While regular, moderate exercise can be beneficial, strenuous exercise can lead to dehydration and fatigue, which can trigger a sickle cell crisis⁹[^10^]¹¹. Therefore, the statement that strenuous exercise prevents the development of sickle cell crisis is not accurate.
Choice D reason: Commercial airlines have controlled cabin pressure and oxygen levels, so flying is generally safe for individuals with sickle cell disease¹²³. However, it's always best to discuss travel plans with a healthcare provider³. Therefore, avoiding flying on commercial airlines is not necessarily a requirement.
Choice E reason: Dehydration can increase the risk of a sickle cell crisis, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather³.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today