A patient with pernicious anemia has a laboratory order to test for intrinsic factor (IF)antibodies.A nurse scheduling this test should instruct the patient to: A)Begin a bowel prep 24 hours prior to the examination. B)Eliminate red meat from the diet for 72 hours before the test. C)Take nothing by mouth for 12 hours before the test is scheduled. D)Withhold vitamin B₁₂ for 48 hours before the test is scheduled.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Withholding vitamin B12 for 48 hours before the test is scheduled is the appropriate instruction for the patient. This ensures that the level of vitamin B12 in the blood is low, which allows for accurate testing of IF antibodies. The other options are not necessary or appropriate for this test.

A Patient with Pernicious Anemia Has a Laboratory Order to Test