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A nurse is performing a comprehensive nutritional assessment for a client. After reviewing the client's laboratory results, which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

a.WBC count 6,000/mm3
b.Sodium 139 mEq/L
c.Prealbumin 8 mg/dL
d.Thyroxine (T4) 9.2 mcg/dL

User Ghrua
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The nurse should report the Prealbumin level of 8 mg/dL to the provider as it indicates potential malnutrition or an inflammatory response, while the other laboratory results are within normal limits.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse performing a comprehensive nutritional assessment for a client should report the finding of Prealbumin 8 mg/dL to the provider. This value is significant because prealbumin is a marker for nutritional status, and normal levels typically range from 15 to 36 mg/dL. A level of 8 mg/dL indicates the patient may be malnourished or has some inflammatory response that could be affecting protein synthesis or increasing protein loss. The other lab values provided, including WBC count of 6,000/mm3, Sodium 139 mEq/L, and Thyroxine (T4) 9.2 mcg/dL, are within normal ranges and would generally not be cause for concern without additional context.

User Haydar
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