A patient with protein calorie malnutrition who has had abdominal surgery is receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Which assessment information obtained by the nurse is the best indicator that the patient is receiving adequate nutrition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because poor wound healing is a possible complication of malnutrition for this patient, normal healing of the incision is an indicator of the effectiveness of the PN in providing adequate nutrition. Blood glucose is monitored to prevent the complications of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, but it does not indicate that the patient's nutrition is adequate. The intake and output will be monitored but do not indicate that the PN is effective. The albumin level is in the low-normal range but does not reflect adequate caloric intake, which is also important for the patient.

A Patient with Protein Calorie Malnutrition Who Has Had Abdominal