A nurse is caring for a client who has anorexia related to AIDS. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to confirm the client's nutritional intake is adequate?

The client with AIDS experiences anorexia leading to severe protein-energy malnutrition. To evaluate if dietary interventions are successfully meeting metabolic needs, the nurse must analyze visceral protein status and hepatic synthesis tracking via specific serum protein biomarkers. Choice A rationale Albumin reflects long-term nutritional status and visceral protein stores due to its half-life of 14 to 20 days. Normal adult serum ranges are 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL. Levels dropping below 3.5 g/dL indicate protein-calorie malnutrition. Choice B rationale CD4 T-cell counts quantify immunocompetence and HIV disease progression, not nutritional adequacy. The normal adult reference range spans from 500 to 1500 cells/mm. Severe immune deficiency occurs when values drop below 200 cells/mm. Choice C rationale Lipase is a pancreatic enzyme responsible for breaking down dietary fats into fatty acids. Serum levels normally range from 0 to 160 U/L. Elevated lipase indicates acute pancreatitis rather than systemic protein or caloric intake status. Choice D rationale Creatinine clearance measures the glomerular filtration rate and overall renal excretory function, not nutritional assimilation. Normal ranges are 95 to 135 mL/min for men and 85 to 125 mL/min for women, reflecting kidney perfusion..