**Core Concept**
The evaluation of a patient with jaundice and fatigue requires a systematic approach to identify the underlying cause. In this case, the patient's presentation suggests a possible hemolytic disorder or a liver dysfunction, but the absence of liver disease and alcohol history narrows down the differential diagnosis. The first step in evaluating such patients is to assess liver function and detect any abnormal liver enzyme levels.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Liver function tests (LFTs) are a crucial initial step in the evaluation of a patient with jaundice and fatigue. LFTs help to assess the liver's synthetic function, detoxification capacity, and biliary drainage. Elevated liver enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), can indicate liver damage or dysfunction. Additionally, LFTs can help to identify other potential causes of jaundice, such as hemolysis or bile duct obstruction. In this case, the patient's normocytic, normochromic anemia suggests a possible hemolytic disorder, which can be exacerbated by liver dysfunction. Therefore, LFTs are essential to evaluate the patient's liver function and guide further investigations.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** A CT scan of the abdomen is not the first step in evaluating a patient with jaundice and fatigue. While imaging studies may be necessary later in the evaluation process, they are not the initial step in assessing liver function and detecting abnormal liver enzyme levels.

**Option B:** A hepatitis profile is not the first step in evaluating a patient with jaundice and fatigue. While hepatitis is a possible cause of liver dysfunction, it is not the only potential cause, and a hepatitis profile may not detect other underlying causes of liver damage.

**Option D:** An abdominal ultrasound is not the first step in evaluating a patient with jaundice and fatigue. While ultrasound may be useful in detecting liver abnormalities or bile duct obstruction, it is not a comprehensive evaluation of liver function and is not the initial step in assessing liver enzyme levels.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In patients with jaundice and fatigue, it is essential to remember that liver function tests (LFTs) are a crucial initial step in evaluating liver function and detecting abnormal liver enzyme levels. LFTs can help to identify other potential causes of jaundice, such as hemolysis or bile duct obstruction, and guide further investigations.

**✓ Correct Answer: C. LFT**