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A 71 year old female patient comes to the clinic because her husband states that she has been having some signs of cognitive decline and he is concerned. He states that she has been forgetting to turn lights off and gets confused easily. Labs are ordered and the patient has been diagnosed with pernicious anemia. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment plan for this patient

a. B12 injections for life
b. B12 injections for 6-12 months
c. Oral B12 for life
d. Oral B12 for 6-12 months

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The most appropriate treatment plan for a 71 year old female patient diagnosed with pernicious anemia is B12 injections for life.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate treatment plan for a 71 year old female patient diagnosed with pernicious anemia is a. B12 injections for life.

Pernicious anemia is caused by poor absorption of vitamin B12, and B12 deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms such as cognitive decline. Oral B12 supplementation may not be effective for patients with pernicious anemia due to their inability to absorb B12 through the gastrointestinal tract. B12 injections provide a direct and effective way to bypass the absorption issue and deliver the necessary vitamin B12.

Therefore, lifelong B12 injections are the most appropriate treatment plan for this patient.

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