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. Urinary catheter care:
While urinary catheter care is important for maintaining urinary hygiene and preventing urinary tract infections, it is not as urgent as addressing respiratory needs. If the client is stable and not experiencing acute urinary retention or other urinary complications requiring immediate intervention, urinary catheter care can be performed after addressing respiratory concerns.
B. Wound irrigation:
Wound irrigation is typically performed to clean and debride wounds, promoting healing and preventing infection. While wound care is essential for preventing complications, it is not as urgent as ensuring adequate respiratory function, particularly in a client with an artificial airway requiring suctioning.
C. Enteral feeding:
Enteral feeding is crucial for providing nutrition to clients who cannot consume adequate nutrients orally. However, initiating enteral feeding can wait until the client's respiratory needs are addressed, as the immediate priority is to ensure effective breathing and oxygenation.
D. Endotracheal suctioning
Endotracheal suctioning is a critical procedure performed to clear secretions from the airway, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with artificial airways such as endotracheal tubes. Maintaining a patent airway is a fundamental aspect of patient care, and suctioning helps prevent airway obstruction, hypoxia, and respiratory distress. Therefore, it takes precedence over other procedures in ensuring the client's respiratory stability and preventing potential complications.
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