A nurse is caring for a client who has malnutrition. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
BMI of 18.5
Potassium 3.7 mEq/L
Phosphorus 3.5 mg/dL
Albumin 2.5 g/dL
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: BMI of 18.5 is at the lower end of the normal range (18.5-24.9), but it does not indicate severe malnutrition.
Choice B reason: Potassium 3.7 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0), and it does not indicate electrolyte imbalance due to malnutrition.
Choice C reason: Phosphorus 3.5 mg/dL is within the normal range (2.5-4.5), and it does not indicate mineral deficiency due to malnutrition.
Choice D reason: Albumin 2.5 g/dL is below the normal range (3.5-5.0), and it indicates protein deficiency due to malnutrition. Albumin is a major protein in blood plasma that helps maintain fluid balance, transport hormones, and fight infections. Low albumin levels can cause edema, weakness, infection, and poor wound healing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Serum creatinine 3.5 mg/dL is high and indicates the need for further assessment. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. High creatinine levels can indicate kidney damage or impaired renal function.
Choice B reason: Hematocrit 45% is within the normal range (37-47% for women, 40-50% for men), and it does not indicate the need for further assessment. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Low hematocrit levels can indicate anemia, bleeding, or hemolysis.
Choice C reason: Blood urea nitrogen 18 mg/dL is within the normal range (7-20), and it does not indicate the need for further assessment. Blood urea nitrogen is a waste product of protein metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. High blood urea nitrogen levels can indicate dehydration, kidney damage, or high protein intake.
Choice D reason: Sodium 140 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145), and it does not indicate the need for further assessment. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve impulses. Low or high sodium levels can cause confusion, seizures, or coma.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Tilt your head forward while you eat is a correct instruction for dysphagia. This position can help prevent choking by closing the airway and directing food and fluids to the back of the mouth and throat.
Choice B reason: Obtain your vitamins in liquid form is not a correct instruction for dysphagia. Liquid vitamins can be too thin and watery for people with dysphagia, as they can easily enter the airway and cause aspiration. Vitamins should be taken in pill or chewable form, or crushed and mixed with thickened liquids or pureed foods.
Choice C reason: Cool foods down to room temperature before consuming is not a correct instruction for dysphagia. Food temperature does not affect the risk of choking for people with dysphagia, as long as the food is not too hot or too cold. Food texture and consistency are more important factors for safe swallowing.
Choice D reason: Drink water with each bite of food is not a correct instruction for dysphagia. Water can also be too thin and watery for people with dysphagia, as it can also enter the airway and cause aspiration. Water should be thickened to a nectar-like, honey-like, or pudding-like consistency, depending on the individual's needs and preferences.
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