A nurse is admitting a client who reports anorexia and malnutrition. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect to be altered?

Choice A reason: Creatine kinase is an enzyme elevated in muscle injury or myocardial infarction. It is not typically altered in malnutrition unless there is concurrent muscle breakdown. Choice B reason: Troponin is a cardiac marker elevated in myocardial injury. Malnutrition alone does not alter troponin levels. Choice C reason: Total bilirubin is elevated in liver disease or hemolysis. Malnutrition does not directly alter bilirubin unless severe hepatic dysfunction is present. Choice D reason: Albumin is a protein synthesized by the liver and is commonly decreased in malnutrition due to inadequate protein intake. Low albumin levels are a hallmark laboratory finding in malnourished patients, making this the correct answer.