A nurse is caring for a client who has a major burn injury and is receiving total parenteral nutrition. Which of the following laboratory tests is the priority for the nurse to use to confirm the client is receiving adequate nutrition?

Choice A reason: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption. It is mainly obtained from exposure to sunlight and animal sources, such as dairy products, eggs, and fish. Vegans are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, especially if they live in areas with limited sunlight or do not take supplements.

Choice B reason: Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and antioxidant activity. It is abundant in plant sources, such as fruits and vegetables. Vegans are not likely to be deficient in vitamin C, unless they have a very restricted diet or a malabsorption disorder.

Choice C reason: Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in many enzymatic reactions, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and bone formation. It is widely distributed in plant and animal foods, such as nuts, seeds, legumes, grains, and green leafy vegetables. Vegans are not prone to magnesium deficiency, unless they have a chronic condition that affects magnesium absorption or excretion.

Choice D reason: Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell production. It is found in fortified grains, cereals, breads, and pasta, as well as in dark green leafy vegetables, beans, and lentils. Vegans are not at risk for folic acid deficiency, as long as they consume enough of these foods or take supplements.

Choice A reason: Prealbumin is a protein that is synthesized by the liver and reflects the current nutritional status of the client. It has a short half-life of 2 to 3 days, which makes it a sensitive indicator of changes in protein intake. Prealbumin levels are decreased in clients who are malnourished or have inflammation, infection, or liver disease. The nurse should monitor the prealbumin levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition to ensure that they are within the normal range of 15 to 36 mg/dL.

Choice B reason: Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell production. Folic acid levels are decreased in clients who have malabsorption, alcoholism, or certain medications, such as methotrexate or phenytoin. The nurse should assess the folic acid levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition, but it is not the priority test to confirm adequate nutrition.

Choice C reason: Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in many enzymatic reactions, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and bone formation. Magnesium levels are decreased in clients who have malnutrition, diarrhea, vomiting, or diuretic use. The nurse should evaluate the magnesium levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition, but it is not the priority test to confirm adequate nutrition.

Choice D reason: Transferrin is a protein that transports iron in the blood and reflects the iron stores of the client. Transferrin levels are decreased in clients who have iron deficiency anemia, chronic disease, or liver disease. The nurse should check the transferrin levels of the client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition, but it is not the priority test to confirm adequate nutrition.