The nurse is working with a client admitted to the hospital with complaints of loss of appetite and weight loss.An assessment of the client also reveals depletion of lean body mass and serum protein.The nurse accurately recognizes these as characteristics of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Depletion of lean body mass and serum protein are characteristic signs of cancer cachexia, a wasting syndrome commonly seen in cancer patients. Loss of appetite and weight loss are also common symptoms of cancer cachexia. Graft-versus-host disease and thrush are not typically associated with these symptoms. HIV can cause weight loss, but it is not typically associated with depletion of lean body mass and serum protein. Loss of appetite, weight loss, depletion of lean body mass, and serum protein are all characteristic of cancer cachexia, a condition commonly seen in cancer patients. Graft-versus-host disease and thrush may also cause weight loss and nutrient depletion, but they would not typically cause a loss of lean body mass. Human immunodeficiency virus can cause weight loss and wasting syndrome, but depletion of serum protein would not be a characteristic finding.

The Nurse Is Working with a Client Admitted to the Hospital