What diagnostic test would the nurse expect the provider to request for a patient being seen for complaints of general malaise, fatigue, and shortness of breath since having a cold 6 weeks earlier?

Rationale: A. This is an invasive procedure typically reserved for patients with abnormal blood counts, suspected leukemia, or unexplained cytopenias. It is not the first-line diagnostic test for nonspecific post-viral symptoms. B. This is used to assess for lymphoma or other malignancies when lymphadenopathy is present. It is not indicated for generalized malaise or fatigue without obvious lymph node enlargement. C. A CBC with differential is a non-invasive, routine test that provides information on red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets, as well as types of white blood cells. For a patient presenting with fatigue, malaise, and shortness of breath, a CBC can help identify anemia, leukopenia, or infection as potential causes of these post-viral symptoms. D. A differential alone evaluates the types of white blood cells but does not assess red blood cells or hemoglobin, which are important when evaluating fatigue or shortness of breath. A CBC with differential provides a more complete assessment.