A hospitalized client has lost several pounds in the last week. The nurse reviews the client's lab results understanding that which test is the best indicator of acute nutritional changes?
A) Albumin level
B) Pre-albumin level
C) RBC count
D) Total protein level

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Serum proteins give accurate nutritional information and include albumin, pre-albumin, retinal-binding protein, and transferrin. Serum proteins with long half-lives (albumin) tend to be global indicators of nutritional status, and proteins with shorter half-lives like pre-albumin and transferrin provide information on acute nutritional status changes.

A Hospitalized Client Has Lost Several Pounds in the Last