Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Simulated
The nurse is admitting a 24-year-old African American female client with a diagnosis of rule-out anemia. The client has a history of gastric bypass surgery for obesity four (4) years ago. Current assessment findings include height 5ÔÇÖ5ÔÇØ; weight 75 kg; P 110, R 27, and BP 104/66; pale mucous membranes and dyspnea on exertion. Which type of anemia would the nurse suspect the client has developed?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Gastric bypass impairs B12 absorption, causing B12 deficiency anemia (A) with pale membranes, tachycardia, and dyspnea. Folic acid (B) is less likely, iron (C) is possible but secondary, and sickle cell (D) is genetic.