A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has Crohn's disease and experienced an exacerbation 7 days ago. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse identify as an indication the client is experiencing malnutrition?
Hematocrit 37%
Iron 160 mcg/dL
Prealbumin 9 mg/dL.
C-reactive protein 15 mg/L
The Correct Answer is C
A) Hematocrit 37% is within the normal range for adults, indicating that the client’s red blood cell volume is adequate. While anemia can be a concern in clients with Crohn's disease, this value does not specifically indicate malnutrition.
B) Iron 160 mcg/dL is above the normal range (typically 50-170 mcg/dL). Elevated iron levels can result from supplementation or other factors, but it does not directly indicate malnutrition. Iron status alone is not a reliable marker for overall nutritional status.
C) Prealbumin 9 mg/dL is significantly below the normal range (15-36 mg/dL). Low prealbumin levels are a strong indicator of malnutrition because prealbumin has a short half-life and reflects recent changes in protein status and dietary intake. This result suggests the client has been experiencing inadequate nutritional intake or absorption.
D) C-reactive protein (CRP) 15 mg/L indicates inflammation, which is common during an exacerbation of Crohn's disease. While elevated CRP levels signal active inflammation, they do not specifically indicate malnutrition. CRP is more commonly used as a marker of inflammatory activity rather than nutritional status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) High-pitched bowel sounds: High-pitched bowel sounds, also known as "tinkling" sounds, are characteristic of mechanical bowel obstructions. These sounds are created by the intestines as they try to move contents past the obstruction, resulting in increased peristaltic activity. In the case of intussusception, where one segment of the intestine telescopes into another, the obstruction can cause these distinctive high-pitched sounds due to the narrowing of the bowel lumen.
B) Abdominal bruit: An abdominal bruit is a swishing sound heard over the abdomen, usually indicating turbulent blood flow through narrowed arteries. It is commonly associated with vascular conditions such as atherosclerosis or renal artery stenosis. It is not related to bowel obstruction, as bowel sounds in obstruction cases are generally due to changes in peristaltic activity rather than blood flow.
C) Bruising on the flank area: Bruising on the flank area, known as Grey Turner's sign, is typically seen in conditions involving retroperitoneal hemorrhage, such as severe pancreatitis or trauma. It is not a symptom of bowel obstruction. Bowel obstruction symptoms generally relate to the gastrointestinal tract and include abdominal pain, distension, and altered bowel sounds.
D) Coffee-ground emesis: Coffee-ground emesis is vomit that appears like coffee grounds, indicating the presence of partially digested blood. This is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, often due to peptic ulcers or gastritis. In mechanical bowel obstruction, vomiting is more likely to contain bile (bilious vomiting) and may occur if the obstruction is high in the small intestine. The appearance of coffee-ground emesis is not typical for bowel obstructions and indicates a different type of gastrointestinal issue.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Administering risperidone 25 mg IM: Administering risperidone intramuscularly is generally used for managing severe psychotic symptoms and not typically indicated for acute panic attacks. Without prior prescription or proper assessment, this action may be unsafe and inappropriate.
B) Teaching the client how to perform guided imagery: Guided imagery is an effective technique for managing anxiety over the long term, but it is not suitable for immediate relief during a severe panic attack. The client may not be able to focus or learn new techniques when experiencing extreme distress.
C) Staying with the client until the panic attack subsides: Providing immediate emotional support and reassurance by staying with the client helps reduce the intensity of the panic attack. The nurse's presence can help the client feel safer and more secure, facilitating a return to a calmer state.
D) Encouraging the client to take quick, shallow breaths: Quick, shallow breaths can exacerbate hyperventilation and increase symptoms like dizziness and lightheadedness. It is more beneficial to encourage slow, deep breathing to help regulate breathing patterns and reduce panic symptoms.
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