Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 83%
Simulated
A nurse is admitting a client who reports anorexia and is experiencing malnutrition. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect to be altered?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Total bilirubin levels are primarily associated with liver function and hemolysis. While malnutrition can impact liver function, total bilirubin is not a direct indicator of nutritional status or malnutrition. Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. Its levels are typically associated with muscle damage or myocardial infarction. While malnutrition can impact muscle mass, CK is not specifically altered due to malnutrition alone. Troponin is a protein released when the heart muscle is damaged. It is primarily used as a biomarker for myocardial injury. Malnutrition does not directly affect troponin levels, so this is not a relevant finding in the context of malnutrition. Albumin is a protein produced by the liver and is a key indicator of nutritional status. Low albumin levels can indicate malnutrition, particularly protein deficiency. In cases of anorexia and malnutrition, albumin levels are often decreased due to inadequate protein intake and poor nutritional status.