Which of the following findings would indicate to the nurse that the treatment for pernicious anemia has been successful?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pernicious anemia, caused by a deficiency in intrinsic factor, can be treated by administering vitamin B12 intramuscularly. Improvement in the condition is indicated by an increase in vitamin B12 levels and a decrease in the number of enlarged red blood cells. A decrease in hydrochloric acid levels in gastric secretion and a decrease in the production of red blood cells would not necessarily indicate treatment success, as these are not the primary goals of treatment for pernicious anemia. A decreased folic acid level and an increase in enlarged red blood cells would indicate anemia, but not necessarily pernicious anemia specifically. An increase in intrinsic factor and increased vitamin B12 excreted in the urine would not be expected, as the goal of treatment is to increase absorption of vitamin B12 in the gut, not to excrete more of it in the urine.

Which of the Following Findings Would Indicate to the Nurse