What is the purpose of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)?

The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) serves a crucial role in evaluating a patient's overall health by providing a broad spectrum of biochemical information. It specifically measures various substances in the blood, including glucose levels, electrolytes, protein levels, and markers for kidney and liver function.

By assessing these components, healthcare providers can gain insights into metabolic processes, electrolyte balance, and organ function, which are essential for diagnosing and managing a wide range of health conditions. For example, abnormal glucose levels can indicate diabetes or prediabetes, while abnormal liver enzymes could suggest liver disease. Additionally, fluctuations in electrolyte levels can be critical for understanding issues related to hydration, kidney health, and cardiac function.

While the other options relate to aspects of health assessment, they do not encompass the extensive range of functions that the CMP provides. Measuring oxygen levels in the blood is typically done using arterial blood gases rather than a CMP. Evaluating the immune system generally involves different tests, such as complete blood counts or specific immunological assays. Lastly, cancer risk assessment requires specific biomarkers and imaging studies rather than a broad biochemical overview provided by a CMP. Therefore, option B accurately reflects the purpose of a comprehensive metabolic panel.