The nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory report. The report indicates that the client's albumin level is 2.89 g/L. Which inference can the nurse make about the laboratory result?

Question

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Serum albumin values reflect protein intake or absorption. Values of less than 3.5 g/dL (35 g/L) may indicate nutritional deficits. Such protein changes take more than 2 weeks to appear in serum albumin values because the half-life of albumin is about 18 days. A low albumin level also can be related to overhydration and may not necessarily indicate malnutrition.

The Nurse Is Reviewing a Client's Laboratory Report