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?
Prealbumin
Folic acid
Magnesium
Transferrin
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Prealbumin is a protein that is synthesized by the liver and reflects the current nutritional status of the client. It has a short half-life of 2 to 3 days, which makes it a sensitive indicator of changes in protein intake. Prealbumin levels are decreased in clients who are malnourished or have inflammation, infection, or liver disease. The nurse should monitor the prealbumin levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition to ensure that they are within the normal range of 15 to 36 mg/dL.
Choice B reason: Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell production. Folic acid levels are decreased in clients who have malabsorption, alcoholism, or certain medications, such as methotrexate or phenytoin. The nurse should assess the folic acid levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition, but it is not the priority test to confirm adequate nutrition.
Choice C reason: Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in many enzymatic reactions, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and bone formation. Magnesium levels are decreased in clients who have malnutrition, diarrhea, vomiting, or diuretic use. The nurse should evaluate the magnesium levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition, but it is not the priority test to confirm adequate nutrition.
Choice D reason: Transferrin is a protein that transports iron in the blood and reflects the iron stores of the client. Transferrin levels are decreased in clients who have iron deficiency anemia, chronic disease, or liver disease. The nurse should check the transferrin levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition, but it is not the priority test to confirm adequate nutrition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Calcium is not a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, although it is important for bone health and muscle contraction. Calcium deficiency can cause osteoporosis, muscle cramps, and abnormal heart rhythms, but it does not affect wound healing.
Choice B reason: Potassium is not a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, although it is essential for nerve and muscle function and fluid balance. Potassium deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue, arrhythmias, and muscle cramps, but it does not affect wound healing.
Choice C reason: Vitamin C is a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, as it is involved in collagen synthesis, tissue repair, and immune response. Vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, which is characterized by bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and anemia.
Choice D reason: Vitamin D is not a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, although it is necessary for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, osteomalacia, and increased risk of infections, but it does not affect wound healing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The standard DASH diet limits sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams per day, which is about the amount of sodium in 1 teaspoon of table salt¹. A lower sodium version of DASH restricts sodium to 1,500 milligrams per day, which may lower blood pressure even further¹. Therefore, limiting sodium intake to 3,200 milligrams per day is not consistent with the DASH diet.
Choice B reason: The DASH diet recommends eating fewer refined carbohydrates and less sugar, as they can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels². Instead, the DASH diet emphasizes eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are rich in fiber, potassium, calcium, and magnesium².
Choice C reason: The DASH diet encourages consuming foods that are high in calcium, such as fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, beans, and nuts¹. Calcium is a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and supports bone health³. Studies have shown that increasing calcium intake can lower blood pressure in people with hypertension³.
Choice D reason: The DASH diet advises limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils¹. Saturated fat can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The DASH diet recommends consuming no more than six percent of total calories from saturated fat¹.
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