Which statement indicates that a new nurse understands pernicious anemia caused by gastrectomy?

The statement that the new nurse understands pernicious anemia caused by gastrectomy is the one that highlights decreased production of intrinsic factor by the stomach affecting absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.

Pernicious anemia is primarily caused by a deficiency of intrinsic factor, a protein secreted by the gastric parietal cells. This factor is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. In cases of gastrectomy, the surgical removal of part or all of the stomach can lead to a significant reduction or complete absence of intrinsic factor production. Without sufficient intrinsic factor, the body is unable to effectively absorb vitamin B12, which is crucial for the proper production of red blood cells. This deficiency ultimately results in pernicious anemia.

This understanding emphasizes the critical role of intrinsic factor in vitamin B12 absorption and highlights how surgical interventions on the stomach can lead directly to hematologic complications due to nutrient malabsorption.