An elderly patient is brought to the emergency department with a fractured tibia. The patient appears malnourished, and the nurse is concerned about the patients healing process related to insufficient protein levels. What laboratory finding would the floor nurse prioritize when assessing for protein deficiency?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Serum albumin is a sensitive indicator of protein deficiency. Albumin levels of less than $3 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{mL}$ are indicative of hypoalbuminemia. Altered hemoglobin levels, cortisol levels, and bilirubin levels are not indicators of protein deficiency.

An Elderly Patient Is Brought to the Emergency Department with a Fractured