A teenager is admitted with an acute onset of right lower quadrant pain at McBurney point. Appendicitis is suspected. For which clinical indicator should the nurse assess the client to determine if the pain is secondary to appendicitis?

A. Total bilirubin levels are primarily associated with liver function and hemolysis. While malnutrition can impact liver function, total bilirubin is not a direct indicator of nutritional status or malnutrition.
B. Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. Its levels are typically associated with muscle damage or myocardial infarction. While malnutrition can impact muscle mass, CK is not specifically altered due to malnutrition alone.
C. Troponin is a protein released when the heart muscle is damaged. It is primarily used as a biomarker for myocardial injury. Malnutrition does not directly affect troponin levels, so this is not a relevant finding in the context of malnutrition.
D. Albumin is a protein produced by the liver and is a key indicator of nutritional status. Low albumin levels can indicate malnutrition, particularly protein deficiency. In cases of anorexia and malnutrition, albumin levels are often decreased due to inadequate protein intake and poor nutritional status.

A. While emotional stress can impact overall health and potentially weaken the immune system, it is not directly related to the transmission or risk factors for salmonellosis. This information is less relevant in identifying the cause of the gastrointestinal symptoms.
B. Smoking can affect general health and immune function, but it is not specifically related to salmonellosis. While it may be a contributing factor to the client's overall health status, it doesn’t provide direct insights into potential sources of infection or recent exposures.
C. Salmonellosis is often linked to foodborne sources, particularly undercooked or contaminated foods. Knowing what the client has eaten can help identify potential sources of the infection and assist in managing the condition effectively. It can also guide public health reporting if a particular food source is identified as a risk.
D. A history of colon cancer could affect the client’s gastrointestinal health, but it is not directly relevant to the diagnosis of salmonellosis. While it may be useful to know for the overall health context, it does not help in identifying the source or confirming the diagnosis of salmonellosis.