Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following laboratory findings indicates that the TPN therapy is effective?

A.) Calcium 8 mg/mL

B.) Hemoglobin 9 g/dL

C.) Prealbumin 30 mg/dL

D.) Cholesterol 140 mg/dL

Answer 1

A prealbumin level of 30 mg/dL indicates that TPN therapy is effective, as this lab value is a sensitive marker of nutritional status and reflects recent dietary intake and nutritional therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asks for the laboratory finding that indicates the effectiveness of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) therapy. The best laboratory finding to assess TPN effectiveness is the prealbumin level as it reflects the nutritional status of the patient and is a more sensitive marker than albumin due to its shorter half-life. A prealbumin level of 30 mg/dL suggests that TPN therapy is having a positive impact on the patient's nutritional status. While other lab values such as calcium, hemoglobin, and cholesterol are important, they may not directly reflect the effectiveness of TPN therapy.