A nurse is caring for a client who has generalized petechiae and ecchymoses. The nurse should expect a prescription for which of the following laboratory tests?

A. Prealbumin measures nutritional status but is not related to bruising or bleeding. B. Creatinine clearance assesses kidney function but does not directly relate to petechiae and ecchymoses. C. Potassium levels affect cardiac and neuromuscular function, but not bruising or bleeding tendencies. D. Petechiae and ecchymoses indicate possible thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which can lead to excessive bruising and bleeding. A platelet count is essential to assess for clotting disorders.