Ms. Smith, an 85-year-old female, is admitted to a hospital with a hip fracture and dehydration. She is awaiting surgery. Her family reports that she lives alone and has been showing signs of dementia since last month. The doctor suggests she consult a nutritionist because the nurse reports that she is not eating well.
Height: 5'5"Weight: 110 lbs Usual body weight: 125 lbs (6 months ago) Albumin: 2.8 g/dL Hemoglobin: 12 g/dL Prealbumin: 14 mg/dL
Total lymphocyte count: 2500
-Which biochemical indicator would be used by the medical doctor to determine Ms. Smith's inflammatory status?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

CRP (C-reactive protein) is a widely used biochemical marker for determining an individual's inflammatory status. Its level is elevated during systemic inflammation and is commonly used in clinical settings to monitor the progression of infections, inflammatory diseases, and after surgery. In this case, Ms. Smith's medical doctor may use CRP to assess her inflammation status due to her hip fracture, dehydration, and decreased nutrition intake.

Ms Smith, an 85-Year-Old Female, Is Admitted to a Hospital