Nutritional Indicators for Wound Healing in Nursing

The nurse is assessing the laboratory values of a patient with an abdominal wound healing by secondary intention. Which laboratory value indicates adequate nutrition?

• A. Prealbumin level of 12 mg/dL
• B. Serum albumin level of 2.5 g/dL
• C. Total lymphocyte count of 1,900 mL
• D. Transferrin level of 190 mg/dL

Answer: (D)

The correct answer is D. The transferrin level of 190 mg/dL indicates adequate nutrition. Transferrin is a protein that transports iron in the blood, and its level reflects iron storage levels. Adequate nutrition is important for wound healing, and having a normal transferrin level suggests good iron status, which is essential for tissue repair and healing. Options A, B, and C are incorrect: A. A prealbumin level of 12 mg/dL is low and indicates poor nutrition status. B. A serum albumin level of 2.5 g/dL is low, which indicates poor nutrition and inflammation. C. A total lymphocyte count of 1,900 mL is below the normal range, which may indicate poor nutrition and decreased immune function.

Understanding nutrition's role in patient healing is pivotal in nursing, especially for those studying for the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse exam. One critical aspect you'll encounter involves interpreting laboratory values to assess nutritional adequacy, particularly in patients with injuries or wounds.

Let’s consider a real nursing scenario: a patient with an abdominal wound that's healing by secondary intention. This means the wound is healing from the inside out, a process that’s slower and often requires keen nursing insight. One question that will inevitably arise is how to determine if the patient is adequately nourished for optimal healing.

So, imagine you're looking at various lab results. You see these values:

• A. Prealbumin level of 12 mg/dL

• B. Serum albumin level of 2.5 g/dL

• C. Total lymphocyte count of 1,900 mL

• D. Transferrin level of 190 mg/dL

If you’re scratching your head, don’t worry! You’re not alone. The correct answer here is D: a transferrin level of 190 mg/dL. But why? Transferrin is that superhero protein in our blood that transports iron. And when it’s at a healthy level, it suggests not just a solid iron storage but a well-nourished body capable of healing itself. Isn’t that fascinating?

Now, let’s talk about why the other options fall short. For instance, a prealbumin level of 12 mg/dL (that’s option A) really isn’t cutting it—it's low and signals poor nutritional status. The same goes for the serum albumin level of 2.5 g/dL (option B). Low albumin levels indicate inflammation and nutritional deficiencies that can impede healing. I mean, who wants a slow-healing wound, right?

And if you look at the total lymphocyte count—1,900 mL—(option C), it’s below normal too, hinting at possible immune dysfunction and poor nutrition. You certainly don’t want that going into wound management!

So, what’s the takeaway? In nursing, knowing how to connect lab results to patient care is crucial. It’s not just about numbers on a sheet. Those numbers tell a story—a narrative of health, recovery, and the strength of the body to heal.

As we wrap this up, keep in mind that these clues—these lab values—aren’t just for passing tests. They’re essential tools in your nursing toolkit. Adequate nutrition, as indicated by a healthy transferrin level, plays a significant role in wound healing. So, the next time you crunch some lab values, remember: you’re not just calculating; you’re contributing to better patient outcomes!