Nurse
Hello. Good morning Patricia. I am Narso Andres, your Nurse here today. How are you doing?
Patient
Good morning, Nurse. I am good. Thank you for asking.
Nurse
Well, Patricia, May I know the purpose of your visit, please?
Patient
Nurse, I am here to take my first B 12 injection.
Nurse
All right. You have been scheduled for a B 12 injection following the diagnosis of pernicious anemia after the blood test. Is that correct?
Patient
Yes Nurse, you are correct.
Nurse
Before getting into the procedure, I would like to know. How are you feeling now, Patricia?
Patient
Actually Nurse, I am still feeling tired and weak.
Nurse
I am sorry to hear that, Patricia. Try not to worry. The treatments for your condition will make you feel comfortable and healthy. Completing the course will help you to regain your health.
Patient
Okay. I do hope the same.
Nurse
I appreciate you for being optimistic. Now Patricia, for my clarification, please tell me how well you have understood your condition.
Patient
Nurse, I have just understood that I lack vitamin B 12 and will be provided with a B 12 injection to compensate for it. However, I wish to know in detail about my condition.
Nurse
That’s great. No worries, Patricia. You understand. Is that correct? Moreover, I am happy to provide detailed information about your condition.
Patient
Thank you nurse.
Nurse
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. And there are many types of anemia. Patricia, you have been diagnosed with pernicious anemia, which is a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the intestines cannot properly absorb vitamin B 12.
Patient
Oh, I see.
Nurse
For your knowledge, the red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues when you lack them. Your body will not supply sufficient oxygen, which will make you feel tired.
Patient
Okay. That’s why I am fatigued. Am I right?
Nurse
Yes, you are absolutely right. Two main reasons for the condition are genetic or dietary patterns. If you can give me insight into your diet, it will help me identify your cause much better.
Patient
Sure. I will nurse. I will only conserve a few fruits and vegetables. That is because I am very selective. Also, I prefer to have a minimal quantity and rely on processed food since it is easy to consume.
Nurse
Thank you for your information, Patricia. I can confirm that your dietary pattern is the primary cause of your condition. Perhaps it can be managed and even rectified efficiently with dietary modifications.
Patient
Oh, is it?
Nurse
Yes. Patricia, if you improve your dietary quality, this can be easily managed.
Patient
Then. Please guide me through Nurse.
Nurse
I am glad you asked me this question, Patricia. Indeed I will explain in detail to you.
Patient
Okay.
Nurse
The major source of B 12 is fortified food. Make your breakfast with fortified food. Along with that, you can include dairy products and cereals. I can provide you with a leaflet containing the B12 diet and recipes, which will be helpful for you.
Patient
That is so kind of you Nurse. I will include these in my diet.
Nurse
Thank you for accepting my suggestion. Besides this, the treatment regime will help you to overcome the deficiency effortlessly.
Patient
Good to hear that Nurse. But is it safe to take injections?
Nurse
Yes, Patricia. Of course, it is safe for you. And moreover, it is essential for your current condition. Intramuscular vitamin B12 injections are the most effective methods you can get.
Patient
Okay, that’s fine.
Nurse
Now, I will outline your treatment plan.
Patient
Okay. Sure.
Nurse
As you know, you will be supplied B 12 via injections. You will receive these intramuscular vitamin B 12 injections three times a week for the first two weeks. Based on the observations, your dosage will gradually decrease over time. Finally, you will accomplish the normal B 12 level. Hence, the injections will be stopped.
Patient
Alright, Nurse, I understand that. Is there any chance of getting extended medication like lifelong supplementation of B 12?
Nurse
Your concerns are quite natural. There are some instances where you need lifelong B 12 supplementation, either via injection or in oral forms. Instances, such as If your condition is genetic. As I told you earlier, you may have to take them lifelong, or else you have to take them until your B 12 levels are normal.
Patient
Okay. I got it.
Nurse
Patricia, To maintain B 12 normal levels, I strongly recommend you take the medication as prescribed by the doctor and try to correct your dietary pattern. As we discussed, you can also take vitamin B 12 supplements daily between meals to enhance your B12 level.
Patient
Definitely. Nurse. I will follow the instructions.
Nurse
I appreciate your willingness. Patricia, can I get your consent to proceed with the B 12 injection?
Patient
Yes, sure.
Nurse
Thank you for your consent.
Patient
That is the end of your speaking role. Play all the best.
Nurse
Thank you.
