Question

43 of 50
the nurse is reviewing a clients laboratory studies. which laboratory studies support that the client is experiencing malnutrition? select all that apply.
laboratory results
tests and results\treference range
albumin 4.6 g/dl\t3.5 - 5.0 g/dl
rationale, strategy, reference, tip
answer options
1 albumin 4.6 g/dl
2 hemoglobin 8.6 g/dl
3 serum potassium 4.2 meq/l
4 serum magnesium 1.3 meq/l
5 alanine aminotransferase (alt) 57 u/l

Explanation:

Normal hemoglobin level for adult females is 12 - 16 g/dL and for adult males is 13.5 - 17.5 g/dL. A hemoglobin level of 8.6 g/dL is low and can be indicative of malnutrition as the body may not have adequate nutrients to produce sufficient hemoglobin. Other values like albumin (4.6 g/dL is within normal range 3.5 - 5.0 g/dL), serum potassium (4.2 mEq/L is within normal range), serum magnesium (normal range is about 1.3 - 2.1 mEq/L, 1.3 mEq/L is at lower end but not strongly indicative of malnutrition alone), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (normal range is about 7 - 56 U/L, 57 U/L is slightly elevated but not related to malnutrition directly) do not strongly suggest malnutrition.

Answer:

1. Hemoglobin 8.6 g/dL