Final answer:
Paresthesia of hands and feet is an indicator that a patient with pernicious anemia has been noncompliant with their prescribed B12 injections. Pernicious anemia results from a vitamin B12 deficiency that affects red blood cell production and the nervous system, making consistent B12 supplementation crucial for managing the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pernicious anemia is a condition arising from the insufficient absorption of vitamin B12. The lack of this essential vitamin leads to a host of symptoms due to the pivotal role B12 plays in red cell production and neurological function. B12 deficiency results in abnormal formation of red blood cells, termed megaloblastic anemia, and can adversely affect the nervous system. Signs of noncompliance with B12 treatment would manifest as neurological symptoms like paresthesia, which is numbness or tingling in the extremities.
The need for Vitamin B12 injections arises when the body is unable to naturally absorb enough of the nutrient from food. Causes for this malabsorption might include intrinsic factor deficiency, certain surgical procedures, or gastrointestinal disorders. If a patient with pernicious anemia does not adhere to their B12 injection schedule, they risk exacerbating symptoms, and paresthesia of the hands and feet is a red flag in this context.
Contrastingly, symptoms like hyperactivity, weight gain, and diarrhea are not directly associated with B12 deficiency and therefore are not indicative signs of noncompliance in this scenario. It is essential for patients with pernicious anemia to receive regular B12 supplementation to prevent neurological damage and maintain normal body functioning.