The nurse is completing a comprehensive history on a client admitted with weight loss and anorexia. What serum lab would the nurse expect to be ordered to evaluate the client’s nutritional status?

Choice A reason: Glucose levels assess carbohydrate metabolism and are useful in evaluating diabetes or hypoglycemia. However, glucose does not provide a direct measure of nutritional status related to protein stores or long-term malnutrition. Choice B reason: Creatinine levels are used to evaluate kidney function and muscle mass breakdown. While they can be affected by nutritional status, they are not the primary lab used to assess overall nutrition. Choice C reason: Albumin is the best indicator of nutritional status because it reflects protein levels in the blood. Low albumin levels are associated with malnutrition, chronic illness, and poor protein intake. It is commonly ordered to evaluate clients with weight loss and anorexia. Choice D reason: Hemoglobin measures oxygen-carrying capacity and can be affected by iron deficiency or anemia. While anemia may be related to poor nutrition, hemoglobin is not the primary lab used to evaluate overall nutritional status.