Question

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

A.) WBC count 6.,000/mm^3

B.) Sodium 139 mEq/L

C.) Prealbumin 8 mg/dL

D.) Thyroxine (T4) 9.2 mcg/dL

Answer 1

The nurse should report the client's low Prealbumin level of 8 mg/dL to the provider as it indicates potential malnutrition or a systemic illness, which is a concern identified in a comprehensive nutritional assessment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report the finding of a Prealbumin level of 8 mg/dL to the provider. A prealbumin level this low is below the normal range (typically 16-40 mg/dL for adults) and can be indicative of malnutrition or a severe systemic illness. The other lab results, including a WBC count of 6,000/mm³, Sodium at 139 mEq/L, and Thyroxine (T4) at 9.2 mcg/dL, are within their respective normal ranges and are not typically alarming. A comprehensive nutritional assessment would consider prealbumin levels as an important indicator of the client's nutritional status.