Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

Which of the following treatments is commonly employed for vitamin B12 deficiency?

1. Iron supplementation

2. Vitamin B12 injections

3. Folic acid supplementation

4. Blood transfusion

The correct answer is: Vitamin B12 injections

Vitamin B12 injections are a widely recognized and effective treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency. This method is particularly important because vitamin B12 is crucial for various bodily functions, including red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. In cases where individuals cannot absorb vitamin B12 through diet or oral supplements, injections provide a direct and efficient way to restore adequate levels of this essential vitamin in the body. The injections bypass the gastrointestinal tract, providing immediate availability for the body to utilize, which is especially beneficial for patients with malabsorption conditions, such as pernicious anemia or certain gastrointestinal disorders. Other treatments like iron supplementation and folic acid supplementation do not directly address vitamin B12 deficiency. While iron might be used to treat anemia caused by other factors, and folic acid can help prevent neural tube defects, they do not rectify low vitamin B12 levels. Blood transfusions are generally reserved for severe anemia conditions and will not remedy vitamin B12 deficiency itself. Therefore, vitamin B12 injections remain the standard approach to effectively treating this deficiency.