nurse's notes

PERNICIOUS ANEMIA - vitamin B 12 deficiency

CAUSE : when there is defect in the gastric secretory function responsible for vitamin B 12 absorption

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
1. physical weakness

• pallor
  
• dyspnea- difficulty of breathing
• orthopnea- ability to breath only when in upright position like sitting or standing
• palpitation
• edema of the legs- (edema- presence of excess fluid )

2. Gastrointestinal Symptom:

• sore in the mouth with smooth red beefy tongue (glossitis)
  
• loss of appetite
• indigestion
• abdominal pain
• recurring diarrhea and constipation

3. neurologic symptoms if untreated:

• tingling
• numbness or burning pains
• loss of position sense leading to disturbance of gait
  

4.psychiatric symptoms:

• depression
• paranoea
• delirium
• anorexia
• weight loss