A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results for the effectiveness of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following laboratory values is the best indicator for the nurse to monitor for the short-term effectiveness of the TPN?
Total albumin.
Transferrin.
Hemoglobin.
Prealbumin.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Total albumin is a valuable indicator of a client's nutritional status, but it has a longer half-life and is slower to reflect short-term changes. It may not accurately reflect the immediate effectiveness of total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
Choice B rationale:
Transferrin is a protein that transports iron in the body and is often used to assess iron deficiency. It is not a specific indicator of the effectiveness of TPN in the short term.
Choice C rationale:
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells and is responsible for oxygen transport. While it can be affected by nutritional status, it is not the most specific indicator of the effectiveness of TPN in the short term.
Choice D rationale:
Prealbumin (also known as transthyretin) is the best indicator for the nurse to monitor for the short-term effectiveness of TPN. Prealbumin has a short half-life of approximately 2 days, making it sensitive to changes in nutritional status and response to TPN. A decrease in prealbumin levels indicates inadequate nutritional support, while an increase suggests improved nutritional intake.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Caramel popcorn is not an appropriate choice for toddlers due to its high sugar content and potential choking hazard from hard or sticky pieces.
Choice B rationale:
Cooked spaghetti with sauce is an appropriate choice for toddlers. It provides carbohydrates for energy, and the sauce can contain vegetables and proteins, making it a balanced option.
Choice C rationale:
Steak cut into small pieces might not be suitable for toddlers, as it could be difficult for them to chew and may not provide the appropriate texture for their developing teeth.
Choice D rationale:
Hot dogs cut into fourths may pose a choking hazard for toddlers due to their cylindrical shape and potential difficulty in chewing. They are also processed meats, which are not the healthiest option for young children.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice Arationale:
Applying low intermittent suction is used for nasogastric tube management to remove excess air or gastric contents and is not directly related to addressing cramping and abdominal distention. This action doesn't address the underlying issue.
Choice Brationale:
Increasing the rate of feeding is not the appropriate action to take in response to cramping and abdominal distention. It might worsen the discomfort and potentially overload the client's gastrointestinal system, leading to more issues.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct Choice) Checking for gastric residual is the appropriate action in this scenario. Cramping and abdominal distention can indicate delayed gastric emptying, which might be caused by an accumulation of feeding within the stomach. By checking for gastric residual, the nurse can assess whether there is a significant amount of residual feeding present, which might require adjusting the feeding rate or intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Requesting a higher-fat formula is not the initial action to take when the client reports cramping and abdominal distention. It assumes that the discomfort is due to the formula's composition, which might not be the case. First, assessing for gastric residual and considering other factors is important before changing the formula.
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