The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results for a 71-year-old patient with metastatic lung cancer. The patient was admitted with a diagnosis of malnutrition. The serum albumin level is 4.0 g/dL, and prealbumin is 10 mg/dL. What should this indicate to the nurse?
a. The albumin level is normal, and therefore the patient does not have protein malnutrition.
b. The albumin level is increased, which is a common finding in patients with cancer who have malnutrition.
c. Both the serum albumin and prealbumin levels are reduced, consistent with the admitting diagnosis of malnutrition.
d. Although the serum albumin level is normal, the prealbumin level more accurately reflects the patient's nutritional status.
Answer: d. Although the serum albumin level is normal, the prealbumin level more accurately reflects the patient's nutritional status.
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