A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a female client who has liver dysfunction a receiving a continuous tube feeding. Which of the findings should the nurse identify as a protein deficiency?
Albumin 3.1 g/dL (3.5 to 5.0 g/dL)
Transferrin 400 mg/dL (250 to 380 mg/dL)
Uric acid 2.3 mg/dL (2.7 to 7.3 mg/dL)
Total iron-binding capacity 488 mcg/dL (250 to 460 mcg/dL)
The Correct Answer is A
A. Albumin 3.1 g/dL (3.5 to 5.0 g/dL)
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver, and its levels are commonly used as an indicator of nutritional status, particularly protein status. In clients with liver dysfunction and receiving continuous tube feeding, a low albumin level indicates protein deficiency. Albumin plays a crucial role in maintaining oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, and decreased levels can lead to fluid shifts and edema, among other complications.
B. Transferrin 400 mg/dL (250 to 380 mg/dL):
Transferrin is a protein involved in iron transport. While high transferrin levels may indicate iron deficiency, they do not directly reflect protein deficiency.
C. Uric acid 2.3 mg/dL (2.7 to 7.3 mg/dL):
Uric acid is a waste product of metabolism. Low uric acid levels are not indicative of protein deficiency; instead, they may be seen in conditions such as liver dysfunction or decreased production of uric acid.
D. Total iron-binding capacity 488 mcg/dL (250 to 460 mcg/dL):
Total iron-binding capacity measures the amount of iron that can be bound by transferrin. Elevated total iron-binding capacity may indicate iron deficiency, but it does not directly reflect protein deficiency.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Family history: A family history of heart disease can increase an individual's risk of developing heart disease themselves, as genetic factors play a role in cardiovascular conditions.
B. Fasting glucose level: Elevated fasting glucose levels, indicative of diabetes or prediabetes, can contribute to heart disease risk. Diabetes is a significant risk factor for heart disease and can lead to complications such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
C. History of hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and low levels of HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
D. History of rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that involves inflammation in the joints. Chronic inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can affect blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular events.
E. History of hypertension: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for heart disease. It puts added strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and other heart-related complications.
F. Cholesterol level: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides, as well as low levels of HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol), are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Check the pH level of the client's gastric contents:
Checking the pH level of gastric contents is not typically necessary before administering intermittent tube feeding. pH testing of gastric contents is more commonly performed for clients with nasogastric tubes to confirm tube placement within the stomach. It is not routinely done before administering tube feeding through a percutaneous gastrostomy tube.
B. Check the patency of the client's tube every 8 hr:
While it is essential to check the patency of the tube regularly, every 8 hours may not be frequent enough, especially for clients receiving intermittent tube feedings. Tube patency should be checked before and after each feeding or medication administration to ensure proper function and prevent complications.
C. Place the client in a supine position:
Placing the client in a supine position is not specifically indicated for administering intermittent tube feedings. The client's position during tube feeding administration depends on individual factors such as comfort, mobility, and risk of aspiration. The nurse should position the client in a semi-upright or upright position (typically at a 30-45 degree angle) to reduce the risk of aspiration.
D. Flush the client's tube with 5 mL of water.
Flushing the client's tube with water helps ensure its patency and removes any residual feeding solution or gastric contents, reducing the risk of clogging and infection. Flushing with 5 mL of water is a common practice to maintain tube patency and should be done before and after each feeding and medication administration.
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