When assessing patient's nutritional care plan, the nurse should recognize which lab values as needing re-evaluation?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Glucose value of 125 mg/dL: A glucose level of 125 mg/dL is slightly elevated and may reflect impaired fasting glucose or stress-related hyperglycemia. While it warrants monitoring, it does not specifically indicate poor nutritional status requiring immediate re-evaluation of a nutritional care plan. B. Albumin value of 2.0 g/dL: Albumin levels below normal suggest poor protein status, malnutrition, or chronic illness. A value of 2.0 g/dL is significantly low and associated with impaired wound healing, edema, and increased risk of infection. This finding signals the need to reassess nutritional intake and support. C. Potassium value of 4.0 mEq/L: A potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L falls within the normal reference range. It indicates adequate electrolyte balance and does not suggest a nutritional deficiency or need for care plan modification. D. Pre-albumin 28 mg/dL: Pre-albumin within this range reflects adequate short-term protein status and recent nutritional intake. It is often used to monitor nutritional improvement and does not indicate a need for re-evaluation when within normal limits.