The nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings of a patient to assess the patient's nutritional status.
The nurse understands the laboratory finding that is the best indicator of inadequate protein intake is a:

Choice A rationale

A physician's license is primarily concerned with their medical practice, diagnosis, and treatment of patients. While medication security is important in patient care, the direct responsibility for the secure storage and accurate documentation of narcotics in a facility, according to its policies, falls on the nursing staff. Disciplinary actions related to these specific failures would typically target those directly involved in the lapse of protocol.

Choice B rationale

A pharmacist's license governs the dispensing and management of medications within a pharmacy setting. While pharmacists play a crucial role in the supply chain and providing information about medications, the day-to-day secure storage and inventory control of narcotics within a long-term care facility, as per the facility's policies, is the responsibility of the nurses on duty.

Choice C rationale

A facility's license pertains to the operational standards and overall compliance of the healthcare institution. While the failure to secure narcotics and maintain proper documentation could potentially lead to issues with the facility's licensing if it reflects systemic problems, the initial disciplinary actions for direct violations of nursing policies regarding medication handling would likely target the individual nurses involved.

Choice D rationale

Nurses are directly responsible for adhering to the policies and procedures of the healthcare facility regarding the handling and documentation of medications, especially controlled substances like narcotics. Failing to keep narcotics in a locked, secure location and neglecting to document counts before and after each shift are direct violations of these professional responsibilities and institutional guidelines, potentially leading to disciplinary actions against their nursing licenses.

Choice A rationale

Asking "How loud is his snoring?" is subjective and difficult for the spouse to quantify accurately. While loudness can be a factor, it doesn't directly address potential underlying medical conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.

Choice B rationale

Determining the frequency of awakenings due to snoring provides some information about the impact on the spouse's sleep but doesn't offer specific details about the nature of the snoring itself or potential pauses in breathing.

Choice C rationale

Asking "Is there silence after snoring which then is followed with a snort?" directly inquires about a pattern indicative of obstructive sleep apnea. Apneic episodes involve cessation of breathing (silence), followed by a gasp or snort as the airway reopens.

Choice D rationale

Knowing the duration of snoring each night provides a general overview but doesn't offer specific details about the characteristics of the snoring, such as pauses in breathing or gasping, which are crucial for identifying potential sleep disorders. .