A nurse is caring for a client who has a major burn injury and is receiving total parenteral nutrition. Which of the following laboratory tests is the priority for the nurse to use to confirm the client is receiving adequate nutrition?

Choice A reason: Flossing dentures is not necessary, as dentures do not have spaces between the teeth where plaque and food particles can accumulate. Flossing dentures may damage the denture material or cause it to loosen.

Choice B reason: Dentures should be cleaned with a soft material to prevent scratches or damage. A washcloth is gentle enough to clean the denture surfaces without causing harm.

Choice C reason: Wiping dentures before storing them in a dry container at night is not advisable, as it may cause the dentures to crack or warp. Dentures should be soaked in water or a denture cleanser solution overnight to keep them moist and prevent them from losing their shape.

Choice D reason: Wrapping gloved fingers with gauze to remove dentures is not a standard practice. Dentures should be removed carefully by rocking them slightly to break the seal with the gums. Using gauze is unnecessary and may not be as effective or safe for the dentures or the oral tissues.

Choice A reason: Increased cholesterol is not an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. The nurse should expect the client's cholesterol level to decrease as a result of the weight loss program, as it can lower the production and absorption of cholesterol in the body.

Choice B reason: Increased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is not an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is a measure of the average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. The nurse should expect the client's HbA1c level to decrease as a result of the weight loss program, as it can improve the insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism of the body.

Choice C reason: Increased LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is not an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is the "bad" cholesterol that can accumulate in the arteries and cause atherosclerosis. The nurse should expect the client's LDL level to decrease as a result of the weight loss program, as it can reduce the synthesis and secretion of LDL in the liver.

Choice D reason: Increased HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is the "good" cholesterol that can remove excess cholesterol from the blood and transport it to the liver for excretion. The nurse should expect the client's HDL level to increase as a result of the weight loss program, as it can enhance the activity and expression of HDL in the body.