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. Serum albumin: Serum albumin is a key indicator of a client’s nutritional status, particularly protein intake and synthesis. Low albumin levels can reflect malnutrition, chronic illness, or liver dysfunction, while normal levels suggest adequate nutritional support and protein reserves. B. Troponin level: Troponin is a cardiac biomarker used to diagnose myocardial injury or infarction. It is not related to nutrition and does not provide any information about the client’s dietary intake or protein status. C. Serum sodium: Serum sodium reflects fluid and electrolyte balance rather than nutritional status. Abnormal sodium levels are typically associated with dehydration, fluid overload, or endocrine disorders, not with protein or calorie malnutrition. D. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and infection. It may rise with inflammatory conditions but does not provide direct information about a client’s nutritional health.