Vitamin deficiency
Pernicious
Anaemia
Pathophysiology
Nursing care plan
The lack of gastric parietal cells to produce enough IF (a gastric protein released by parietal cells) to allow proper absorption of dietary vitamin B12 causes this condition.
Cobalamin deficiency can result from other illnesses that interfere with vitamin B12 absorption and metabolism, leading to macrocytic anemia and neurologic consequences.
Signs and symptoms
fatigue
weakness
headaches
chest pain
weight loss
pale skin
Diagnostic tests
Peripheral blood smear
Vitamin B12 levels
Reticulocyte count
Antibodies against Intrinsic Factor
Complete blood count
Lactose Dehydrogenase levels & Methylmalonic acid levels
Complications
Gastric polyps can develop into malignant lesions or carcinoid tumors as a result of gastrointestinal issues.
Nerve and brain damage, dementia, and a lack of coordination are all symptoms of neurological problems
Clinical manifestation
Haematologic and Neurologic
Macrocytic anemia
Pancytopenia
Thrombosis due to hyperhomocysteinemia
Neurologic
Optic neuropathy
Neuropsychiatric manifestations
Autonomic dysfunction
Definition
is caused by a lack of vitamin B12 absorption from the GI tract, which is necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells.
Examine your neurovitals as well as your cognitive.
Inject vitamin B12 into the patient.
Listen for rales in the lungs (CHF is common)
Listen for murmurs in the heart.
Place the patient in a bed rest position.
Examine the ins and outs
Educate the patient about the condition.
Encourage a balanced diet.
Encourage the patient to take cobalamin supplements if he or she is a vegetarian.
Examine your walk, balance, and any paresthesias.
Check the patient's blood tests to make sure he or she isn't anemic.
Examine the tongue (it is often beefy red- it resolves with treatment)
Self-care should be encouraged.
To ensure that the treatment is effective, check the reticulocyte count.
If the patient is out of breath, give him or her oxygen.
To educate the patient, consult a dietitian.