A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has Crohn's disease and experienced an exacerbation 7 days ago. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse identify as an indication the client is experiencing malnutrition?
Hematocrit 37%
Iron 160 mcg/dL
Prealbumin 9 mg/dL.
C-reactive protein 15 mg/L
The Correct Answer is C
A) Hematocrit 37% is within the normal range for adults, indicating that the client’s red blood cell volume is adequate. While anemia can be a concern in clients with Crohn's disease, this value does not specifically indicate malnutrition.
B) Iron 160 mcg/dL is above the normal range (typically 50-170 mcg/dL). Elevated iron levels can result from supplementation or other factors, but it does not directly indicate malnutrition. Iron status alone is not a reliable marker for overall nutritional status.
C) Prealbumin 9 mg/dL is significantly below the normal range (15-36 mg/dL). Low prealbumin levels are a strong indicator of malnutrition because prealbumin has a short half-life and reflects recent changes in protein status and dietary intake. This result suggests the client has been experiencing inadequate nutritional intake or absorption.
D) C-reactive protein (CRP) 15 mg/L indicates inflammation, which is common during an exacerbation of Crohn's disease. While elevated CRP levels signal active inflammation, they do not specifically indicate malnutrition. CRP is more commonly used as a marker of inflammatory activity rather than nutritional status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "I will remain in the hospital until my treatment is completed.": Hospitalization is not typically required for the entire duration of tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Most patients with TB can continue their treatment at home with proper medication and infection control measures, unless they have severe disease or complications.
B) "I will wear a surgical mask around my family.": A surgical mask is not sufficient to protect others from TB. Patients with active TB should wear an N95 respirator mask to reduce the risk of spreading the infection, especially in situations where close contact is unavoidable.
C) "I will need medication to treat my condition for the rest of my life.": TB treatment generally involves a course of medication lasting 6 to 9 months. Long-term, lifelong medication is not required; however, adherence to the full course of prescribed antibiotics is crucial to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.
D) "I will need to provide a sputum specimen every 4 weeks until I test negative.": Monitoring sputum samples every 4 weeks is a standard practice to assess the effectiveness of TB treatment and confirm that the patient is no longer infectious. This statement indicates an understanding of the ongoing evaluation needed during treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "A parent is supposed to pass before their child": This statement reflects ongoing grief and a struggle with the loss, indicating the client is still grappling with the emotional impact rather than moving toward reorganization and acceptance.
B) "My partner and I have plans to open a small business": This statement demonstrates that the client is beginning to focus on future goals and engaging in activities that signify a return to normalcy and investment in life. This reflects reorganization and acceptance of the loss as they are planning for the future.
C) "I have put all the pictures of my child in the attic": Putting away pictures of the child might indicate avoidance or difficulty coping with reminders of the loss. This action suggests the client may still be in the process of dealing with grief rather than having reached acceptance.
D) "My partner says I seem to forget things frequently": Frequent forgetfulness can be a symptom of ongoing grief and emotional distress. This indicates that the client may still be experiencing significant emotional and cognitive impacts from the loss.
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