Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What nutritional deficiency is an ex-gastrectomy patient particularly susceptible to?

1. Vitamin C deficiency

2. Calcium deficiency

3. Folate deficiency

4. Vitamin B12 deficiency

The correct answer is: Vitamin B12 deficiency

After a gastrectomy, a patient is particularly susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency due to several physiological changes that occur as a result of the surgery. The stomach plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, including vitamin B12, which requires the presence of intrinsic factor—a glycoprotein produced by the stomach lining that is essential for vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines. In patients who have undergone gastrectomy, the surgical removal of a significant portion of the stomach often leads to decreased production of intrinsic factor. Without adequate intrinsic factor, the body cannot absorb vitamin B12 effectively, leading to a deficiency. This deficiency can result in a host of problems, including megaloblastic anemia and neurological issues. Additionally, the change in the gastrointestinal anatomy may affect the overall absorption of nutrients, making it essential to monitor and manage the nutritional status of ex-gastrectomy patients closely, particularly their vitamin B12 levels. Thus, it is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of and take preventive measures against vitamin B12 deficiency in these patients.