Question

A patient is being assessed for a suspected deficit in intrinsic factor synthesis. What diagnostic or assessment finding is the most likely rationale for this examination of intrinsic factor production?

1) Muscle wasting
2) Chronic jaundice in the absence of liver disease
3) The presence of fat in the patients stool
4) Persistently low hemoglobin and hematocrit

Answer 1

A patient is likely examined for intrinsic factor synthesis deficit due to signs of Pernicious anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels due to poor vitamin B12 absorption. Diagnostic assessments include blood tests for vitamin B12 levels and specific tests to evaluate absorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient being assessed for a suspected deficit in intrinsic factor synthesis would most likely be examined due to Pernicious anemia, which is a condition characterized by poor absorption of vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor. This condition can lead to persistently low hemoglobin and hematocrit, as vitamin B12 is essential for the production of mature red blood cells. The lack of intrinsic factor prevents vitamin B12 absorption in the intestine, which is why the suspected deficit would most likely be explored if the patient has signs of anemia.

Diagnostic assessments for this condition may include measuring levels of vitamin B12 in the blood, testing for the presence of autoantibodies to intrinsic factor or gastric parietal cells, and performing a Schilling test to evaluate vitamin B12 absorption with and without intrinsic factor.