Question

A nurse cares for a client with megaloblastic anemia who had a total gastrectomy three years ago. What statement will the nurse include in the client’s teaching regarding the condition?

Answer 1

Answer:

"The condition is likely caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency."

Explanation:

Megaloblastic anemia is a condition caused by the reduction in the number of normal red blood cells that become large, immature and dysfunctional in the bone marrow. It occurs due to vitamin B12 and / or folic acid deficiency and the ingestion of drugs that impair DNA formation, such as some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs.

This type of anemia is common in patients who have had the total gastrectomy procedure, since the stomach is the organ responsible for the absorption of vitamin B12. In case of withdrawal it is common that a deficiency develops in the body. The lack of vitamin B12 is related to hematological changes, especially anemia and neurological changes that can become severe. For this reason, replacement should be constant in these cases and only by injection, since digestive absorption of vitamin B12 is no longer possible.