Megaloblastic anemia
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Megaloblastic anemia
Also testable as: macrocytic anemia from folate or B12 deficiency
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Folate or vitamin B12 deficiency from poor intake, malabsorption, pregnancy demand, alcohol use, medications, or intrinsic-factor problems.
- Impaired DNA synthesis produces large immature red blood cells and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| GI acid reducers | Long-term acid suppression can contribute to B12 monitoring concerns. |
Signs / symptoms
- Folate and B12 both affect RBC formation; B12 also affects nerves.
- Pregnancy folate teaching starts before pregnancy is known.
Nursing actions
- Assess fatigue, pallor, glossitis, diet history, pregnancy status, alcohol use, GI surgery, and neurologic symptoms.
- Differentiate B12-risk cues from folate deficiency because B12 deficiency can cause neurologic injury.
- Teach prescribed folate/B12 replacement and follow-up lab monitoring.
Complications
- Falls
- Neuropathy when B12 is low
- Fetal neural tube defects when folate is low in early pregnancy
- Severe anemia
NCLEX cues
- Folate and B12 both affect RBC formation; B12 also affects nerves.
- Pregnancy folate teaching starts before pregnancy is known.
Memory hooks
- Megaloblastic means mega-sized RBCs from DNA-building vitamin deficits.
Labs / Diagnostics
- CBC with MCV
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Methylmalonic acid when ordered
Review notes
- Generated from the nutrition entity graph. Verify against ATI/school nutrition materials before validation.
Cross references
Related cards are generated from the shared study map, not hand-built per page.
Condition card for Megaloblastic anemia: recognize the testable cue, prevent the complication, and choose the safest first nursing action.
Folate teaching is preconception and early pregnancy teaching.
B12 deficiency can cause neurologic changes; folate alone can mask anemia while neuro injury continues.
Inflamed, smooth, or swollen tongue.
Reduces stomach acid so irritated tissue can heal and reflux symptoms decrease.
Water-soluble B vitamin needed for DNA synthesis and fetal neural tube development.
Water-soluble vitamin needed for red blood cell production and neurologic function.