Which laboratory result indicates the presence of malnutrition?
Hemoglobin (Hgb) 11.3 g/dL
Pre-albumin 10 mg/dL
Creatinine 1.9 mg/dL
Hematocrit (Hct) 56%
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 D
Explanation
a) Chloride 100 mEq/L: A chloride level of 100 mEq/L is within the normal range (98-107 mEq/L) and would not be concerning in this context.
b) Sodium 138 mEq/L: A sodium level of 138 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) and would not be concerning in this context.
c) Potassium 4.1 mEq/L: A potassium level of 4.1 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and would not be concerning in this context.
d) Magnesium 1.0 mEq/L: A magnesium level of 1.0 mEq/L is low (normal range: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L), and low magnesium can cause neuromuscular symptoms such as tremors. This would be a concerning result in the context of the patient's hand and face tremors.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
a) "Have you been having diarrhea?" This is a risk factor or cause of hypokalemia but not a symptom of it. Good to ask, but not the most direct sign.
b) "Have you been experiencing difficulty breathing?" Severe hypokalemia can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, but it is not a common early symptom.
c) "Have you been experiencing chest pain?" Chest pain is not a common symptom of hypokalemia. It could signal cardiac issues, but not specific to low potassium.
d) "Have you been experiencing muscle weakness or leg cramps?" Classic symptoms of hypokalemia due to potassium’s role in muscle contraction and nerve conduction.
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