The nurse is caring for an individual with a history of partial gastrectomy.The nurse would recognize the development of megaloblastic anemia by which of the following lab results?
A)A significant increase in the red blood cell mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
B)A noted decrease in the patient's body mass index
C)An abrupt increase in the number of white blood cells
D)A sudden decrease in the serum sodium

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Megaloblastic anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, which causes impairment in DNA synthesis and results in the production of large, immature red blood cells called megaloblasts. This leads to a significant increase in the red blood cell mean corpuscular volume (MCV), which is a specific lab result that indicates the presence of megaloblastic anemia.

The Nurse Is Caring for an Individual with a History