Question

An adult client with cirrhosis has been prescribed a diet with optimal amounts of protein. The nurse evaluates the client's status as being most satisfactory if the total protein is which value?

1. 0.4 g/dL
2. 3.7 g/dL
3. 6.4 g/dL
4. 9.8 g/dL

Answer 1

The most satisfactory total protein value for an adult client with cirrhosis on a protein-optimal diet is 3.7 g/dL, as it falls within the normal reference range for blood proteins and indicates a balanced nutritional status without signs of malnutrition or dehydration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the optimal total protein value for an adult client with cirrhosis prescribed a protein-optimal diet. The total protein in the blood comprises mainly albumin and globulins, which are crucial for assessing a client's protein nutritional status. Normal albumin levels range from 3.5-5.5 gms/100 ml, and globulin levels are about 2-5 gms/dl. Keeping these reference values in mind, for an adult client with cirrhosis, the nurse would find the total protein status most satisfactory with a value that falls within the normal reference range, without being too low, which could suggest malnutrition, or too high, which might indicate dehydration.

Considering the options provided:

1. 0.4 g/dL - Too low, indicating severe malnutrition.
2. 3.7 g/dL - This value is within normal reference ranges for total protein.
3. 6.4 g/dL - Slightly higher but can be normal for some individuals.
4. 9.8 g/dL - Too high, possibly suggesting dehydration or other issues.

Therefore, the most satisfactory value for total protein in this context would be 3.7 g/dL, which indicates a balanced protein status and is an optimal amount for a client with cirrhosis.