Question

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

The client is at risk for
Select... dehydration, or hemorrhage, or malnutrition
due to
Select... decreased bowel sounds, or fever, or thrombocytopenia

Exhibit 1
Laboratory Results
Day 10600:Sodium 150 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L) Potassium 5.5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) Chloride 105 mEq/L (98 to 106 mEq/L) BUN 17 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL) Magnesium 1.2 mEq/L (1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L) Total calcium 10.0 mg/dL (9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL) Phosphate 4.0 mg/dL (3.0 to 4.5 mg/dL) Glucose 135 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL) Platelet count 99,500/mm3 (150,000 to 400,000/mm3) WBC count 9,500/mm3 (5,000 to 10,000/mm3) Total protein 4.0 g/dL (6.4 to 8.3 g/dL) Albumin 1.5 g/dL (3.5 to 5.0 g/dL) Blood alcohol content (EtOH) 200 mg/dL (0 to 50 mg/dL)

Exhibit 2
History and Physical
Day 10600:Client admitted for 24-hr observation for alcohol intoxication. History of alcohol use disorder per family. Client alert and oriented to person. Client appears lethargic. Diminished lung sounds auscultated in bilateral lower lobes. Heart is tachycardic. Nausea and vomiting for last 2 days. Bowel sounds hypoactive in all 4 quadrants. Abdomen is distended and nontender. Client un

Answer 1

The client is at risk for malnutrition due to hypoactive bowel sounds, distended abdomen, and vomiting for the last 2 days.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client's history and physical examination in Exhibit 2 indicate several concerning findings, including hypoactive bowel sounds, distended abdomen, and vomiting. These symptoms suggest gastrointestinal dysfunction, which can lead to malnutrition. The decreased bowel sounds and abdominal distention may impede the normal digestive process, leading to inadequate nutrient absorption. Additionally, persistent vomiting can contribute to a loss of essential nutrients, further increasing the risk of malnutrition.

The laboratory results in Exhibit 1 reveal a low albumin level (1.5 g/dL), which is below the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 g/dL). Albumin is a key indicator of nutritional status, and a low level is suggestive of malnutrition. The client's hypoalbuminemia, coupled with the clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal dysfunction, underscores the increased risk for malnutrition. Proper nutritional assessment, intervention, and close monitoring are essential in managing the client's nutritional status and preventing complications associated with malnutrition.

In summary, the client is at risk for malnutrition due to a combination of clinical findings, including hypoactive bowel sounds, abdominal distention, vomiting, and low albumin levels. Addressing these issues through appropriate interventions, such as nutritional support and monitoring, is crucial to mitigate the risk of malnutrition and improve overall patient outcomes.