The nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory report. The report indicates the client's albumin level is 2.89 g/L. Which inference can the nurse make about the laboratory result?
A) The client has an infection.
B) The client has been taking steroids.
C) The client has likely been on a high protein diet.
D) The client may be overhydrated.
Ans: D
Feedback:
Serum albumin values reflect protein intake or absorption. Values of less than 3.5 g/dL (35 g/L) may indicate nutritional deficits. Such protein changes take more than 2 weeks to appear in serum albumin values because the half-life of albumin is about 18 days. A low albumin level also can be related to overhydration and may not necessarily indicate malnutrition.
You might also like to view...
During a morning assessment, the nurse notices that the patient's sputum is frothy and pink. Which condition could this finding indicate?
a. Croup b. Tuberculosis c. Viral infection d. Pulmonary edema
An autocratic leader is likely to:
1. seek the employee's input. 2. be committed to what is best for the group. 3. allow workers to go ahead without direction. 4. make decisions independently.
A nurse is to remove an interrupted suture from an incision site. After the site has been cleansed, which of these steps is correct?
a. Use forceps to grasp the middle of the suture, cut it, and pull either end. b. Use forceps to grasp the suture near the knot, place the curved edge of the scissors under the suture and cut close to the skin, and pull the long end to remove. c. Use forceps to grasp every other suture, cut each with the curved edge of the scissors down, and pull the short end to remove. d. Grasp the knot of the suture, cut with the scissors in a position of comfort, and pull either end.
A nurse is performing fundal massage for a client. What precaution should the nurse take when giving a fundal massage?
A) Never massage a contracted fundus. B) Avoid placing a hand over the symphysis pubis. C) Report cramps immediately to physician. D) Avoid applying heat to relieve cramps.