Which laboratory tests should a nurse practitioner order for a client with chronic kidney disease and suspected anemia?

In the case of a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and suspected anemia, ordering a complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and ferritin level is essential for a comprehensive evaluation.

The CBC is crucial as it helps assess the hemoglobin levels, which are typically low in anemia. It also provides information on red blood cell counts and hematocrit, which are vital in diagnosing and managing anemia in CKD patients.

Ferritin level is important to determine iron stores in the body. In CKD, iron deficiency can coexist with anemia, so evaluating ferritin helps in identifying whether the anemia is due to iron deficiency, which is common in patients with CKD due to reduced erythropoiesis and possibly insufficient iron absorption or utilization.

C-reactive protein is an inflammatory marker that can provide insight into any underlying inflammation that may affect erythropoiesis. In chronic conditions like CKD, inflammation can influence anemia through multiple pathways, such as affecting iron metabolism and erythropoietin production. Including CRP can help assess the inflammatory status of the patient, which may guide further management.

The other choices either omit important tests, such as the CBC or ferritin, or focus too narrowly on