Gastrointestinal illnesses cause symptoms of anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Which lab value should the nurse monitor related to volume depletion?

Choice A rationale
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein used as a tumor marker, particularly for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. It is not directly related to volume depletion caused by gastrointestinal illnesses.
Choice B rationale
B12 level is important for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells. It is not directly related to volume depletion caused by gastrointestinal illnesses.
Choice C rationale
Electrolyte imbalance is the correct answer. Gastrointestinal illnesses often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to significant loss of fluids and electrolytes.
Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial in these cases to prevent complications related to volume depletion.

Choice D rationale
Hemoglobin level is an indicator of the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood. While it is an important lab value, it is not the most relevant in the context of volume depletion due to gastrointestinal illnesses.

Choice A rationale
Childhood obesity can indeed lead to diabetes mellitus. Obesity in children increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose)34.
Choice B rationale
While attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, there’s no direct evidence to suggest that childhood obesity is a potential complication or cause of ADHD3.
Choice C rationale

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body by mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body. There is no direct link between childhood obesity and the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice D rationale
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not typically associated with childhood obesity. On the contrary, obesity in children can increase the risk of high blood pressure.