Gastrointestinal Assessment Questions Related

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The nurse monitors the laboratory results of the patient with protein-calorie malnutrition during treatment. Which result is an indication of improvement in the patient's condition?

  • A. Decreased lymphocytes
  • B. Increased serum transferrin
  • C. Increased serum potassium
  • D. Decreased serum prealbumin
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because an increase in serum transferrin levels indicates improvement in protein-calorie malnutrition as transferrin is a protein that binds and transports iron, which is essential for various body functions. When protein intake increases, transferrin levels also increase to support iron transport.

A: Decreased lymphocytes do not directly reflect improvement in protein-calorie malnutrition.
C: Increased serum potassium is not specific to improvement in protein-calorie malnutrition.
D: Decreased serum prealbumin levels indicate ongoing malnutrition, not improvement.