A nurse is assessing a client with anemia. Which of the following symptoms is most commonly associated with anemia?

A) This choice is incorrect because polyuria, or increased urination, is not a common symptom of anemia. It may be associated with other conditions like diabetes.

B) This choice is incorrect because increased appetite is not typically associated with anemia. In fact, some clients with anemia may have a reduced appetite due to fatigue and weakness.

C) This choice is correct. Anemia leads to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which can result in shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion.

D) This choice is incorrect because anemia causes fatigue and decreased energy levels, not increased energy levels.

A) This choice is incorrect because hemoglobin electrophoresis is used to identify abnormal hemoglobin types, not to assess the size and shape of red blood cells.

B) This choice is incorrect because a reticulocyte count measures the number of immature red blood cells in the blood and helps determine if the bone marrow is responding appropriately to anemia, but it does not assess the size and shape of red blood cells.

C) This choice is correct. A peripheral blood smear is used to examine the morphology of red blood cells, including their size, shape, and appearance. It can help identify different types of anemia and determine the cause of anemia.

D) This choice is incorrect because serum iron levels provide information about iron status but do not directly assess the size and shape of red blood cells.