While caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), it is most important for the nurse to monitor which of the client's lab values?

Choice A

Offering water to the client hourly is not appropriate. While staying hydrated is important for overall health, offering water hourly might not be necessary unless there is a specific indication of dehydration. However, monitoring the client's fluid intake and output is a good approach.

Choice B

Reducing dairy product intake is not appropriate. Dairy product intake is not typically associated with sudden onset confusion. Reducing dairy product intake would not be the primary intervention for addressing confusion.

Choice C

Increasing daily sodium intake is not appropriate. Increasing sodium intake is unlikely to be the appropriate intervention for confusion unless there is a specific medical reason for it. Moreover, excessive sodium intake can have negative health consequences.

Choice D

Reviewing the intake and output record is appropriate. Confusion in an older client can be caused by various factors, including medical conditions, medication side effects, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Reviewing the intake and output record (option D) is a reasonable intervention to gather more information about the client's fluid balance and hydration status. This can help the nurse assess whether the confusion might be related to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.

Choice A

Serum HDL (high-density lipoprotein) of 35 mg/dL (0.91 mmol/L). Among the options provided, a serum HDL level of 35 mg/dL (0.91 mmol/L) is the assessment data that indicates the need for referral to a nutritionist. HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this case, the HDL level of 35 mg/dL is below the recommended reference range for females (greater than 55 mg/dL or greater than 0.91 mmol/L), which could suggest a potential need for dietary and lifestyle interventions to improve cardiovascular health.

Choice B

Serum HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) of 4.8% (0.05) is incorrect. This HbA1c level is within the normal reference range (4% to 5.9%) and indicates good blood sugar control.

Choice C

BMI (body mass index) of 22 kg/m² is incorrect. A BMI of 22 is within the normal weight range and might not necessarily indicate the need for a nutritionist referral.

Choice D

Total serum calcium of 10 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L) is incorrect. This calcium level is within the normal reference range and might not require a nutritionist referral, unless there are other specific concerns related to calcium intake.