Question

A patient is admitted to the hospital with pernicious anemia and a surgical history of having had a gastrectomy six months ago. On assessment, the nurse questions the patient about compliance with taking which of the following medications that supports the development of red blood cells?

1) Vitamin K
2) Vitamin B12
3) Calcium supplement
4) Magnesium supplement

Answer 1

A patient with pernicious anemia and a history of gastrectomy should ensure compliance with taking Vitamin B12 supplements, as intrinsic factor production is compromised, which is essential for Vitamin B12 absorption and red blood cell production.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient with pernicious anemia and a history of having had a gastrectomy should be queried about compliance with taking Vitamin B12 supplements. Pernicious anemia is a condition characterized by poor absorption of vitamin B12, often associated with the lack of intrinsic factor following the surgical removal of the stomach. Since intrinsic factor is essential for the intestinal absorption of Vitamin B12, which is necessary for the production of mature red blood cells and normal neurological functioning, patients who have undergone a gastrectomy require alternative methods to obtain this vitamin. Such methods typically involve taking vitamin B12 orally in large doses to overwhelm the passive absorption capacity of the intestines or, more effectively, through regular vitamin B12 injections, bypassing the need for intrinsic factor.