What medication will a client with pernicious anemia need due to decreased intrinsic factor production?

A client with pernicious anemia has a specific deficiency of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach that is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12. When intrinsic factor is not produced in sufficient amounts, the body cannot effectively absorb vitamin B12 from the diet, leading to vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency is the root cause of pernicious anemia, which can result in a variety of health issues, including neurological problems and impaired red blood cell formation.

To treat this condition, vitamin B12 injections are required. These injections bypass the need for intrinsic factor, allowing vitamin B12 to be directly introduced into the bloodstream. This approach ensures that the patient receives adequate levels of this vital vitamin, which is crucial for proper red blood cell production and neurological function.

Other options do not address the underlying issue of intrinsic factor deficiency. While vitamin B6 and other supplements play essential roles in the body, they do not remedy the specific vitamin B12 absorption issue at the core of pernicious anemia. Antibiotics and antacids also target different health concerns and would not aid in correcting the deficiency caused by a lack of intrinsic factor.