A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of aplastic anemia. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A.
Aplastic anemia results in an inability to absorb vitamin B12.
B.
Aplastic anemia results from decreased bone marrow production of RBCs.
C.
Aplastic anemia results in an increased rate of RBC destruction.
D.
Aplastic anemia is associated with a decreased intake of iron.
The correct answer is B. Aplastic anemia results from decreased bone marrow production of RBCs.
Explanation:
Aplastic anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce an adequate number of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. This results in pancytopenia, which is a deficiency of all three blood cell types.
Let’s review the other options:
- A. Aplastic anemia results in an inability to absorb vitamin B12:
This statement is incorrect. The inability to absorb vitamin B12 is associated with pernicious anemia, not aplastic anemia. - C. Aplastic anemia results in an increased rate of RBC destruction:
This statement is incorrect. An increased rate of RBC destruction is associated with hemolytic anemia, not aplastic anemia. - D. Aplastic anemia is associated with a decreased intake of iron:
This statement is incorrect. Iron deficiency anemia is related to decreased intake or absorption of iron, but aplastic anemia is not caused by iron deficiency.
Aplastic anemia is specifically due to decreased production of blood cells in the bone marrow, making B the correct answer.
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