Question of the Week – June 14, 2023

Rationale:

Answer: 4

Rationale: A serum prealbumin level is the most important parameter for determining the effectiveness of a client’s nutritional management and nutritional status. Because prealbumin is a major plasma protein with a short half-life, it is sensitive to changes in protein synthesis and catabolism, and it is thus the best clinical indicator of nutritional status. It is a better nutritional index than a daily weight because body weight can be skewed quickly by changes in total body fluid. It is also a better index than anthropomorphic measurements because nutritional status is not necessarily related to skinfold thickness. The calorie count reports the total calories provided to the client without data regarding the client’s use of the calories and nutrients.

Level of Cognitive Ability: Evaluating

Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Evaluation

Content Area: Skills: Nutrition

Health Problem: N/A