American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of a sore mouth and tingling in the extremities suggest a potential vitamin deficiency, predominantly vitamin B12, which occurs frequently after a total gastrectomy due to the lack of intrinsic factor production necessary for B12 absorption. A complete blood count is the most suitable test to order because it can help identify anemia, which is a common consequence of B12 deficiency.

Anemia typically presents with specific changes in the complete blood count, such as low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, as well as abnormalities in the size and shape of red blood cells (macrocytic anemia is characteristic of B12 deficiency). This makes the complete blood count an important tool for diagnosing the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms and for initiating appropriate treatment.

Other tests, while important in different clinical contexts, do not directly address the probable nutritional deficiency stemming from the gastrectomy. For instance, blood urea nitrogen assesses kidney function, liver function studies focus on liver status, and thyroid function tests evaluate thyroid health but do not pertain to the patient's current concerns of a sore mouth and neurological symptoms.