Final answer:
Prealbumin levels, with a result of 13 mg/dL, are indicative of malnutrition, as prealbumin is a sensitive marker of nutritional status and protein intake. Option d.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lab result that supports a diagnosis of malnutrition is d. Prealbumin 13 mg/dL. Prealbumin, also known as transthyretin, is a protein that reflects nutritional status over a shorter time frame than albumin. It is sensitive to protein intake and nutritional status, and its levels decrease in cases of malnutrition. Serum albumin values, represented here as option a., are not a reliable marker for malnutrition due to its long half-life and various other factors influencing its level, such as hydration status and liver or kidney function. The other results indicated by options b. and c., hematocrit 37% and hemoglobin 12g/dL, are within normal limits and do not specifically indicate malnutrition.
Prealbumin, also known as transthyretin, is a serum protein that reflects protein and calorie adequacy. It has a short half-life and is more sensitive to recent changes in nutritional status compared to other markers such as albumin. A low level of prealbumin indicates malnutrition.