A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has metabolic syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Decreased blood urea nitrogen is not a typical finding in metabolic syndrome. Blood urea nitrogen levels are more reflective of renal function and hydration status. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, and central obesity. Therefore, a decrease in blood urea nitrogen is unrelated and not expected in this condition. Choice B reason: Decreased serum potassium is not a hallmark of metabolic syndrome. Potassium levels are influenced by renal function, diuretic use, or gastrointestinal losses, but metabolic syndrome does not inherently cause hypokalemia. Electrolyte disturbances are not part of the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome, making this finding incorrect. Choice C reason: Increased triglyceride level is a classic finding in metabolic syndrome. Elevated triglycerides are part of the diagnostic criteria, along with increased waist circumference, elevated fasting glucose, reduced HDL cholesterol, and hypertension. Hypertriglyceridemia reflects insulin resistance and altered lipid metabolism, both central features of metabolic syndrome. This makes it the correct answer. Choice D reason: Increased calcium level is not associated with metabolic syndrome. Calcium levels are typically influenced by parathyroid hormone regulation, vitamin D status, or bone metabolism. Metabolic syndrome does not directly alter calcium homeostasis, so this finding would not be expected.