A nurse reviews the complete blood count (CBC) of a 34-year-old female presenting with severe fatigue, pallor, and pica (craving ice). The results show: Hemoglobin 8.2 g/dL, Hematocrit 26%, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) 68 fL, and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) 22 pg. Which additional laboratory test is the most definitive next step to confirm the underlying etiology?
Types of Anemia & Nursing Care
Practice Question
A nurse reviews the complete blood count (CBC) of a 34-year-old female presenting with severe fatigue, pallor, and pica (craving ice). The results show: Hemoglobin 8.2 g/dL, Hematocrit 26%, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) 68 fL, and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) 22 pg. Which additional laboratory test is the most definitive next step to confirm the underlying etiology?
Clinical Practice Question: A nurse reviews the complete blood count (CBC) of a 34-year-old female presenting with severe fatigue, pallor, and pica (craving ice). The results show: Hemoglobin 8.2 g/dL, Hematocrit 26%, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) 68 fL, and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) 22 pg. Which additional laboratory test is the most definitive next step to confirm the underlying etiology?