A 73 year old client has been admitted to the hospital for their respiratory disease of COPD. The client states that they have no appetite and eat very little throughout the day due to shortness of breath. The client also states that they have lost significant amounts of weight over the past several months. The nurse caring for the client is concerned that the client may be suffering from malnutrition. Which lab value would the nurse want to check to determine if the client is malnourished?
Serum albumin level
Cholesterol level
White blood cell count level
Potassium level
The Correct Answer is A
A. Serum albumin level is often used as a marker of nutritional status, and low levels may indicate malnutrition.
B. Cholesterol level is not a specific indicator of malnutrition.
C. White blood cell count is typically associated with immune function rather than nutritional status.
D. Potassium level may be affected by various factors but is not a specific marker for malnutrition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Soreness and redness may occur with new ostomies, but persistent irritation may indicate a problem.
B. Red, irritated, and moist skin around the stoma site suggests a leak in the appliance, and the skin barrier needs replacing.
C. The assessment does not suggest a malfunction in ostomy function but rather a skin integrity issue.
D. Overhydration is not typically associated with skin irritation around the stoma.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The helping relationship phases and nursing process are not specific communication tools for addressing safety concerns.
B. The nursing process is a systematic approach to patient care but is not a communication tool specifically for addressing safety concerns.
C. SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is a structured communication tool commonly used in healthcare settings for reporting and addressing safety concerns.
D. CUS (I am concerned, I feel uncomfortable, this is unsafe) is a communication tool for expressing concerns, for instance, by saying something like this: "I am concerned about the patient's risk for falls. I feel uncomfortable seeing you walk the patient without a gait belt or non-skid socks. This is unsafe for the patient and could cause harm or injury. Please use a gait belt and non-skid socks when walking the patient." This way, the nurse can convey their message in a clear, respectful, and assertive way, and prompt the UAP to take action to ensure the patient's safety.
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