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Which laboratory result indicates the presence of malnutrition?

A.

Hemoglobin (Hgb) 11.3 g/dL

B.

Pre-albumin 10 mg/dL

C.

Creatinine 1.9 mg/dL

D.

Hematocrit (Hct) 56%

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

a) Hemoglobin (Hgb) 11.3 g/dL: While a hemoglobin level of 11.3 g/dL is slightly below normal, it is not a definitive indicator of malnutrition. It may be related to anemia but not necessarily malnutrition.

b) Pre-albumin 10 mg/dL: Pre-albumin is a protein that reflects short-term nutritional status. A value of 10 mg/dL is below the normal range and suggests malnutrition, as pre-albumin levels decrease in states of inadequate protein intake.

c) Creatinine 1.9 mg/dL: Elevated creatinine levels typically indicate kidney dysfunction, not malnutrition. It is a marker of kidney health, not nutritional status.

d) Hematocrit (Hct) 56%: A hematocrit level of 56% is elevated, which could indicate dehydration, polycythemia, or other conditions, but it is not a direct indicator of malnutrition.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

a) Fecal Impaction: Seepage or leaking of liquid stool often occurs when a patient has a fecal impaction. The liquid stool may leak around the solid mass of stool that is impacted in the colon.

b) Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine, not stool.

c) Bowel and Bladder training program: While bowel and bladder training programs may be helpful for managing incontinence, they are not the immediate solution for fecal impaction.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

a) Have edema to the lower extremities: Edema can be caused by various factors such as heart failure, kidney disease, or poor circulation, but it is not directly related to a balance between energy intake and expenditure.

b) Increase: If energy intake equals energy expenditure, there is no surplus of energy to cause weight gain.

c) Decrease: If energy intake equals energy expenditure, there is no energy deficit to cause weight loss.

d) Stay the same: When a person's daily energy intake equals their total energy expenditure, their weight remains stable because the amount of energy taken in is exactly balanced with the amount of energy used.

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