What is the primary purpose of the Schilling test in a client suspected of having pernicious anemia?

The primary purpose of the Schilling test is to determine the client's ability to absorb vitamin B12, which is crucial in diagnosing pernicious anemia. This condition arises when the body cannot absorb vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines.

During the Schilling test, a patient is given a small amount of radioactive vitamin B12 orally. The amount of vitamin B12 that is absorbed into the bloodstream is measured through urine samples over the following day. If a low amount of vitamin B12 is expelled in the urine, it may suggest that the client has impaired absorption due to pernicious anemia or another cause. This targeted assessment helps differentiate between various causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, ultimately guiding appropriate treatment and management strategies for those affected by this condition.