The nurse is assessing an older female adult's client's nutritional status. Which finding indicates that the client has a nutritional deficiency?

Reference Ranges:

Hemoglobin [12 to 16 g/dl (120 to 160 g/L)]

Hematocrit 37% to 47% (0.37 to 0.47 volume fraction)]

Albumin [3.5 to 5.0 g/dl (35 to 50 g/L)]

Serum transferrin [250 to 380 mg/dl (2.5 to 3.80 g/L)]

A hemoglobin (Hgb) of 11.8 g/dL (118 g/L) and hematocrit (Hct) of 34% (0.34).

Low weight as determined from a height/weight comparison chart.

Decreased lean body mass compared to results of 10 years ago.

Serum albumin of 3 g/dL (30 g/L) and serum transferrin of 180 mg/dL (1.8 g/L).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Hematocrit (Hct) are important indicators of anemia, which can be caused by nutritional deficiencies such as iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiencies. For an older adult female, the reference range for hemoglobin is 12 to 16 g/dL, and the hematocrit range is 37% to 47%. A hemoglobin of 11.8 g/dL and a hematocrit of 34% are below the normal range, indicating potential anemia, which could be related to nutritional deficiencies.
B.   Weight loss or being underweight can be a sign of nutritional deficiency, particularly if it is unintentional. However, this option lacks specific details about the extent of weight loss and its relation to other indicators. Weight alone does not provide complete information about nutritional deficiencies without additional context, such as changes in weight over time or body composition.
C.   A decrease in lean body mass can be indicative of malnutrition or a prolonged deficiency in protein or overall caloric intake. While it is an important indicator of nutritional status, it reflects long-term changes and may not immediately show acute deficiencies.
D.   Serum albumin and serum transferrin are biomarkers of nutritional status. The reference range for serum albumin is 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL, and for serum transferrin, it is 250 to 380 mg/dL. A serum albumin level of 3 g/dL and a serum transferrin level of 180 mg/dL are both below the normal range, indicating possible malnutrition or protein deficiency.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Encouraging the spouse to share their feelings is the most appropriate initial action. It provides an opportunity for the spouse to express their emotions and begin processing their grief. This approach validates the spouse’s feelings, offers emotional support, and establishes a supportive environment where the spouse can feel heard and understood.
B. Offering reassurance that the spouse is not alone can be comforting, but it may not fully address the immediate emotional needs of the spouse. It is important to first allow the spouse to express their feelings and then provide reassurance as part of the ongoing support.
C. Discussing alternative treatment options may be premature and could be perceived as dismissive of the spouse’s immediate emotional response. At this moment, the spouse is focused on the emotional impact of the terminal diagnosis rather than treatment options.
D. While offering hope can be part of supportive care, this approach might unintentionally minimize the spouse’s current feelings of loss and grief. It can also come across as dismissive of the immediate emotional impact of the diagnosis.

A. Determine which member of the nursing staff brought the cup of coffee to the client. B. Consult with the dietician to learn if the client is allowed to drink coffee. C. Remove the coffee from the tray, advising the client that it is not included in the diet. D. Remind the client that no milk or creamer can be added to the coffee.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While it’s important to understand how the coffee ended up on the tray, determining which staff member made the mistake does not address the immediate issue of ensuring the client’s diet is appropriate. The priority should be to correct the dietary error and ensure that the client receives only what is appropriate for their diet.
B. Consulting with a dietician could provide clarity on dietary restrictions and allowances. However, if the client is on a clear liquid diet, coffee is typically not included because it may have additives (like milk or creamer) or may not be considered suitable for the clear liquid diet.
C. Coffee, unless specified as permissible, generally does not meet the criteria for a clear liquid diet due to its potential to be mixed with non-clear substances and its stimulant properties. Removing the coffee and informing the client of the dietary restriction ensures that the client adheres to the prescribed diet and avoids potential complications or issues with their treatment.
D. This action is not suitable for a clear liquid diet. Coffee itself is typically not allowed on a clear liquid diet, regardless of whether milk or creamer is added. This choice does not address the fundamental issue of the coffee being inappropriate for the client’s diet.

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A client's spouse has just learned of the client's terminal illness. The spouse is sitting in the corner of the client's room crying, and says to the nurse, "I feel as if I'm already so alone." Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

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