A patient post-total gastrectomy shows symptoms like sore mouth and indigestion. Which test should be ordered?

In the context of a patient who has had a total gastrectomy, symptoms such as a sore mouth and indigestion can indicate nutritional deficiencies or hematological issues. A complete blood count (CBC) is particularly relevant in this scenario because it helps assess several important parameters, such as hemoglobin levels, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts.

After total gastrectomy, patients often face challenges with nutrient absorption due to the absence of the stomach, leading to potential deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, and folate. These deficiencies can manifest as anemia, which would be detectable in the CBC as low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, or indicative of changes in red blood cell morphology.

Ordering a CBC allows for early identification of anemia or other blood disorders, thus enabling timely interventions to manage nutritional deficiencies that could lead to complications. Therefore, it is the most appropriate test in this situation to address the symptoms and monitor the patient's health post-surgery.