ATI MED SURG PROCTORED EXAM -2019 STUDY GUIDE
A client is admitted to the hospital with an exacerbation of his chronic gastritis. When assessing his nutritional status, the nurse should expect a deficiency in:
• vitamin B12.
Explanation:
The nurse should expect vitamin B12 deficiency. Injury to the gastric mucosa causes gastric atrophy and impaired function of the parietal cells. These changes result in reduced production of intrinsic factor, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. Eventually, pernicious anemia will occur.
Deficiencies in vitamins A, B6, and C aren't expected in a client with chronic gastritis.