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 D
Explanation
A) Talking with the client's family to determine how the condition affects the client role:
Understanding the client's role within the family is important for comprehensive care, but it is not the most immediate priority in discharge planning. This information can be gathered once the client has the tools to manage their condition effectively.
B) Assessing the impact of the client's body image changes:
While body image is a significant concern for many clients with chronic conditions, it does not directly affect the immediate physical ability to manage daily activities and pain, which is crucial for someone with osteoarthritis.
C) Giving the client printed information about when to use hot and cold therapy:
Providing education on managing symptoms is essential, but simply giving printed information might not address the client's immediate need for practical assistance and adaptations necessary for self-care at home.
D) Consulting occupational therapy to provide assistive devices for self-care:
Ensuring the client has access to assistive devices through occupational therapy is the priority because it directly addresses their ability to perform activities of daily living independently and safely. This intervention can significantly improve the client’s quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Provide instruction on pelvic muscle exercises:
Pelvic muscle exercises are beneficial for urinary incontinence but are not a standard intervention for treating pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis focuses on managing infection and inflammation of the kidneys rather than strengthening pelvic muscles.
B) Administer skeletal muscle relaxants every 6 hr:
Skeletal muscle relaxants are not typically used in the treatment of pyelonephritis. The focus should be on antibiotics to treat the infection and analgesics for pain relief, rather than muscle relaxants.
C) Encourage fluid intake:
Increasing fluid intake helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract, which can aid in reducing the infection and promoting kidney health. Proper hydration is crucial for clients with pyelonephritis to help manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
D) Monitor vital signs every 8 hr:
While monitoring vital signs is important, it should be done more frequently than every 8 hours, especially in the acute phase of pyelonephritis, to promptly identify any signs of worsening infection or sepsis.
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