A nurse is assisting with teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about medication administration.
The nurse should include that which of the following medications is administered using the Z-track method?

Choice A rationale

Albumin is a key protein synthesized by the liver and serves as an indicator of nutritional status. Low albumin levels (<3.5 g/dL) suggest poor protein intake or malnutrition, making it a reliable marker for assessing nutritional adequacy.

Choice B rationale

Lipase measures pancreatic function and is not directly related to nutritional intake. Elevated lipase is typically associated with pancreatitis rather than nutritional status.

Choice C rationale

Creatinine clearance evaluates renal function and filtration capacity. While important for assessing kidney health, it does not provide insights into a client's nutritional intake or protein status.

Choice D rationale

CD4-T-cell counts reflect immune function, particularly in HIV/AIDS patients. Although critical for monitoring disease progression, this value does not correlate with nutritional status or dietary adequacy.

Choice A rationale

A high-calorie diet is crucial for clients with AIDS and malnutrition to meet the increased metabolic demands caused by the disease and to compensate for nutrient deficiencies. Proper nutrition supports immune function and aids in maintaining muscle mass and energy levels, which are often compromised in malnourished clients.

Choice B rationale

Encouraging three large meals daily may not be appropriate, as clients with AIDS and malnutrition often experience gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or early satiety. Smaller, more frequent meals are typically better tolerated and can improve overall nutritional intake compared to larger meals.

Choice C rationale

Administering an antiemetic after each meal may help reduce nausea and improve food intake in some cases. However, this action should be based on the client's specific needs and symptoms. It is not a universal intervention for malnutrition in clients with AIDS and does not directly address the need for adequate calorie intake.

Choice D rationale

Including seasonings and spices may enhance the flavor of meals and encourage food intake. However, strong spices can sometimes exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms in clients with AIDS. This action is not as effective or essential as providing a high-calorie diet to address malnutrition.