Final answer:
A nurse assessing a client with pernicious anemia should expect numbness of hands, which indicates the loss of peripheral nerve function common in this condition due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse assessing a client with pernicious anemia should expect to find a number of symptoms related to the deficiency of vitamin B12, which is crucial for the nervous system and red blood cell production. Clients with pernicious anemia often experience a specific set of neurological symptoms owing to the impairment of nerve function.
When considering the options provided:
- Numbness of hands
- Gingival hyperplasia
- Clay-colored stools
- Carotid bruits
The finding that the nurse should expect is A: Numbness of hands. This symptom is indicative of the loss of peripheral nerve function, which is a common manifestation of pernicious anemia. Other features of this condition include visual disturbances, muscle weakness, impaired coordination and balance, as well as cognitive issues like impaired memory and concentration. While gingival hyperplasia, clay-colored stools, and carotid bruits can be associated with a variety of health issues, they are not typical findings in pernicious anemia.