Which laboratory test result most accurately reflects a patient's nutritional status?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prealbumin levels fluctuate daily and give the best indication of the patient's immediate nutritional status.Albumin level is not as accurate because the half-life of albumin is 18 to 21 days,causing a delay in detection of nutritional problems.Transferrin,a protein that binds to iron,has a half-life of 8 to 9 days; therefore,it allows for faster detection of protein deficiency than does albumin.However,transferrin is not as fast as prealbumin.Hemoglobin level reflects iron intake or blood loss.

Which Laboratory Test Result Most Accurately Reflects a Patient's Nutritional