A patient has defective secretion of the intrinsic factor leading to anemia. What treatment option does the healthcare professional discuss with the patient?
A)Increasing iron sources in the diet such as red meat.
B)Vitamin B₁₂ injections initially given once a week.
C)Having relatives tested for bone marrow donation.
D)Better control of the patient's underlying disorder.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intrinsic factor (IF) is responsible for B₁₂ uptake from the gut. A lack of IF leads to pernicious anemia, which is treated with vitamin B₁₂ injections for the rest of the person's life. The injections are weekly at first the monthly. Increasing dietary iron would help with iron-deficiency anemia. A bone marrow transplant might be used to treat aplastic anemia. Better control of an underlying medical condition would be important in anemia of chronic disease.

A Patient Has Defective Secretion of the Intrinsic Factor Leading