An older adult patient who is malnourished presents to the emergency department with a serum protein level of 5.2 g/dL. The nurse would expect which clinical manifestation?
a. Pallor
b. Edema
c. Confusion
d. Restlessness
ANS: B
The normal range for total protein is 6.4 to 8.3 g/dL. Low serum protein levels cause a decrease in plasma oncotic pressure and allow fluid to remain in interstitial tissues, causing edema. Confusion, restlessness, and pallor are not associated with low serum protein levels.
You might also like to view...
A patient with a recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has been prescribed metformin (Glucophage) 500 mg PO t.i.d
The nurse who is providing this patient's care should recognize that this medication helps the patient achieve stable blood glucose levels by: A) Stimulating insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells. B) Facilitating the action of insulin on peripheral receptor sites C) Stimulating insulin synthesis by the pancreatic beta cells D) Delaying the absorption of glucose in the intestinal system
A large healthcare organization is preparing a major marketing initiative to target consumers of health information. Which driving force caused the organization to prepare this marketing plan? Select all that apply.
A) Meaningful use B) eHealth Initiative C) Online health communities D) Reduced cost for computers E) Patient-centered medical homes
What condition or disease decreases lung compliance? (Select all that apply.)
a. Asthma b. Atelectasis c. Pneumothorax d. Pulmonary edema e. Lobar emphysema
A client who fell at home is hospitalized for a hip fracture. The client is in Buck's traction, anticipating surgery, and reports pain as "2" on a pain intensity scale of 0 to 10. The client also exhibits moderate anxiety and moves restlessly in the bed. The best nursing intervention to address the client's anxiety is to
a) Assess the reason for the client's anxiety. b) Administer the prescribed alprazolam (Xanax). c) Assist the client out of bed and into a chair. d) Administer the prescribed dose of morphine.