A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory values. Which of the following should the nurse review to evaluate the client's nutritional status?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Troponin level: Troponin is a cardiac biomarker used to detect myocardial injury or infarction. It is not an indicator of nutritional status and does not reflect protein levels or nutrient balance. B. Serum albumin: Albumin is a plasma protein synthesized in the liver and commonly used as a marker of long-term nutritional status. Low levels may suggest protein-energy malnutrition or chronic illness affecting nutrient absorption or intake. C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation or infection. While chronic disease can indirectly affect nutrition, ESR does not directly assess nutrient levels or dietary sufficiency. D. Serum sodium: Sodium levels reflect fluid balance and electrolyte status but are not indicators of nutritional status. They may be influenced by hydration, renal function, or hormonal imbalances, not by dietary protein intake.