National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

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What condition could result from a long-term lack of vitamin B12?

Hyperglycemia
Pernicious anemia
Osteoporosis
Hypocalcemia

The correct answer is: Pernicious anemia

A long-term deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to pernicious anemia, which is a specific type of anemia that arises from the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12 adequately. Vitamin B12 is critical for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. Pernicious anemia particularly occurs due to a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach that is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines. Without adequate vitamin B12, the body cannot produce sufficient healthy red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and neurological issues. Understanding the importance of vitamin B12 and its role in red blood cell formation can help in recognizing the implications of its deficiency and the resultant health conditions, such as pernicious anemia. Other options listed do not directly correlate with vitamin B12 deficiency, which makes pernicious anemia the correct association for this scenario.