Pernicious Anemia — NCLEX Cheat Sheet
B12 def → neuro damage
👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team
🕐 Updated 2026-07-11
🏷️ Physiological Adaptation
🔖 Free to read, print, and share
💡
Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Pernicious Anemia on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
🩺
- no intrinsic factor → no B12 absorb
- macrocytic megaloblastic
- pallor, fatigue, beefy red tongue
- NEURO: paresthesia, ataxia
- numbness hands/feet, confusion
- ↓B12, macrocytic RBC, +Schilling
- ↑MCV, low retic count
- B12 injections FOR LIFE
- neuro damage may be permanent
- safety: fall + injury risk
✨Quick Tip
Red cells are macrocytic (large) and the anemia is megaloblastic.
Related Physiological Adaptation cheat sheets