Final answer:
To diagnose iron deficiency in blood, a nurse can conduct a complete blood count (CBC) which assesses hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and a serum ferritin test for stored iron levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
To detect an iron deficiency in blood, a nurse can perform a complete blood count (CBC), which includes an assessment of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. This test measures the amount of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component in the blood. If these levels are low, it may indicate iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, a serum ferritin test, which measures the stored iron in the body, may also be conducted to confirm iron deficiency anemia. A low ferritin level usually indicates a lack of iron storage, confirming the deficiency.