Ace the ANCC Exam 2025 – Ignite Your Nursing Superpowers!

Macrocytic anemia is characterized by larger than normal red blood cells and is typically associated with deficiencies in certain nutrients like vitamin B12 or folate. Confirming the diagnosis of macrocytic anemia necessitates identifying the underlying cause, which often includes evaluating levels of these critical vitamins.

Ordering a serum folate level is a crucial step in assessing macrocytic anemia, as low levels of folate directly indicate a deficiency that can lead to this condition. By measuring the serum folate, the nurse practitioner can determine if a folate deficiency is contributing to the anemia, allowing for targeted treatment.

Other tests, while useful in their contexts, do not specifically confirm macrocytic anemia. A reticulocyte count would provide insight into the bone marrow's response to anemia but wouldn’t pinpoint the macroscopic cellular changes associated with macrocytic anemia. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate measures inflammation but does not pertain to red blood cell characteristics. Finally, iron studies would help diagnose iron deficiency anemia, which is different from macrocytic anemia, as it involves smaller, hypochromic red blood cells. Thus, confirming the diagnosis of macrocytic anemia necessitates assessing the serum folate level.