What treatment should be anticipated for a client with pernicious anemia?

In the case of pernicious anemia, which is primarily a result of vitamin B12 deficiency due to the lack of intrinsic factor necessary for absorption, the most appropriate treatment is vitamin B12 injections. This approach bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, where absorption would be impaired.

Vitamin B12 injections provide a direct and effective means of increasing the levels of this essential vitamin, addressing both the deficiency and the associated symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and neurological issues. Regular injections ensure that sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 are available for the body to perform critical functions, including red blood cell formation and the maintenance of the nervous system.

Other treatments, such as oral iron tablets, blood transfusions, or gastric tube feedings, do not effectively address the underlying cause of pernicious anemia. Oral iron would not correct the vitamin B12 deficiency. Blood transfusions are typically reserved for severe anemia cases and do not resolve the vitamin B12 malabsorption issue. Gastric tube feedings might ensure nutritional support but would still be ineffective for vitamin B12 absorption due to the intrinsic factor absence. Thus, vitamin B12 injections represent the most effective and targeted treatment.