A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has AIDS and is malnourished. The client has been receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a therapeutic response to the TPN?

Prealbumin (also known as transthyretin): Prealbumin is a protein synthesized in the liver and has a shorter half-life compared to albumin. It is considered a more sensitive marker for

short-term nutritional changes and can reflect the effectiveness of TPN within a few days.

Prealbumin levels can indicate the response to nutritional interventions and provide a more immediate assessment of nutritional adequacy.

Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a measure of the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells and is typically used to assess anemia. While hemoglobin can be affected by nutritional status, it is not a specific marker for the short-term effectiveness of TPN.

Total albumin: Total albumin is a measure of protein status and can be affected by various factors, including inflammation and liver disease. However, it has a longer half-life and slower response to nutritional changes, so it may not be the best indicator for short-term effectiveness.

Transferrin: Transferrin is a protein involved in iron transport and can be used as an indicator of iron status. However, it may not reflect short-term changes in nutritional status and is not specific to TPN effectiveness.

Monitoring prealbumin levels can help determine the short-term effectiveness of TPN and guide adjustments to the nutritional plan.

Bananas: Bananas are a suitable choice for a client taking digoxin and furosemide. Digoxin is a medication commonly prescribed for heart failure and certain heart rhythm disorders, and maintaining adequate potassium levels is important while taking this medication. Bananas are a good source of potassium and can help prevent or correct low potassium levels (hypokalemia), which can be a potential side effect of both digoxin and furosemide.

Green beans: Green beans can be included in the client's diet when taking digoxin and furosemide. While they are a healthy vegetable choice, they do not have a direct impact on the potassium levels affected by these medications.

Blueberries: Blueberries are a nutritious fruit choice, but they do not have a specific relevance to the client's medication regimen of digoxin and furosemide. They can be part of a balanced diet but are not specifically recommended or contraindicated in this context.

Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a refreshing vegetable choice, but they do not have a direct impact on the potassium levels affected by digoxin and furosemide. While maintaining hydration is important, other foods would be more relevant for addressing potassium needs.