Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 68%
Simulated
Which of the following lab values should the nurse report to the health care provider when the client has anemia?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
An absent intrinsic factor is a critical finding in clients with anemia, as it indicates pernicious anemia, a condition where the body cannot absorb vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor. This requires immediate medical attention and lifelong B12 supplementation. An elevated Schilling test is not a standard result (the test measures B12 absorption), a sedimentation rate of 16 mm/hour is normal, and normal RBCs do not explain anemia.