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 B
Explanation
A. Apply dry heat to help the lesions scab over.: Applying dry heat is not a recommended treatment for herpes simplex lesions. Moist heat, such as sitz baths, can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
B. Take three sitz baths each day to alleviate symptoms.: Sitz baths can help soothe and clean the affected area, providing relief from pain and itching associated with herpes simplex virus lesions. This is an appropriate recommendation for symptom management.
C. Apply talcum powder to the perineal area to help the lesions dry.: Talcum powder is not recommended for herpes simplex lesions as it can irritate the skin and worsen symptoms. Keeping the area dry can be beneficial, but using powders is not advised.
D. You can resume intercourse with the use of natural membrane condoms.: Condoms may reduce the risk of transmission but do not eliminate it completely. It is generally advised to avoid sexual activity during an outbreak to prevent spreading the virus.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "This medication might cause urinary frequency": Meclizine is not commonly associated with urinary frequency. It is an antihistamine used primarily to manage symptoms of vertigo and motion sickness rather than affecting urinary function.
B) "This medication might cause an increase in your blood sugar": Meclizine does not typically affect blood sugar levels. Concerns about blood sugar levels are more relevant to other medications, such as corticosteroids or certain antihypertensives, rather than meclizine.
C) "This medication might cause you to have excess saliva": Excess saliva is not a common side effect of meclizine. Antihistamines like meclizine usually have the opposite effect, potentially causing dry mouth rather than an increase in saliva.
D) "This medication might cause drowsiness": Drowsiness is a known side effect of meclizine, as it is an antihistamine with sedative properties. This effect can be significant for some individuals, so it's important for clients to be aware of this potential impact on their daily activities.
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