A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for several clients. Which ...

[mmm]

A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for several clients. Which value causes the nurse to conduct nutritional assessments as a priority?
 
  a. Albumin: 3.5 g/dL
  b. Cholesterol: 142 mg/dL
  c. Hemoglobin: 9.8 mg/dL
  d. Prealbumin: 28 mg/dL

Question 2

A nursing student is studying nutritional problems and learns that kwashiorkor is distinguished from marasmus with which finding?
 
  a. Deficit of calories
  b. Lack of all nutrients
  c. Specific lack of protein
  d. Unknown cause of malnutrition

[lindahyatt42]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
A cholesterol level below 160 mg/dL is a possible indicator of malnutrition, so this client would be at highest priority for a nutritional assessment. The albumin and prealbumin levels are normal. The low hemoglobin could be from several problems, including dietary deficiencies, hemodilution, and bleeding.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Kwashiorkor is a lack of protein when total calories are adequate. Marasmus is a caloric malnutrition.