Which intervention is appropriate for a client with pernicious anemia?

In the case of pernicious anemia, the appropriate intervention is the administration of vitamin B12 injections. This condition arises due to an inability to absorb vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract, primarily due to the lack of intrinsic factor, a protein essential for the absorption of this vitamin. As a result, individuals with pernicious anemia require vitamin B12 through intramuscular injection to bypass the absorption issue and increase the levels of this vital nutrient in the body.

Vitamin B12 is crucial for the production of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system. Without adequate B12, the body cannot form sufficient healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia and various neurological symptoms. Injectable vitamin B12 provides an immediate and effective means of replenishing B12 levels, addressing both the anemia and the potential neurological complications associated with its deficiency.

While iron supplements may be useful for iron-deficiency anemia, they are not effective for pernicious anemia because the underlying issue is a lack of B12 rather than iron. Similarly, vitamin B6 supplements and blood transfusions do not target the root cause of pernicious anemia. Vitamin B6 is not involved in the absorption or utilization of B12, and while blood transfusions may temporarily address severe anemic symptoms, they