Adult Health Med Surg NCLEX Test Bank Related

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Which of the following lab values should the nurse report to the health care provider when the client has anemia?

  • A. Schilling test result, elevated.
  • B. Intrinsic factor, absent.
  • C. Sedimentation rate, 16 mm per hour.
  • D. Red blood cells (RBCs) within normal range.
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.