Question

The nurse is evaluating nutritional teaching provided to a patient recovering from 24% total body surface area burns. Which information indicates that teaching has been effective?

1) Weight loss 3 kg
2) Serum protein level 7.1 g/dL
3) Serum albumin level 2.8 g/dL
4) +1 pitting edema of lower extremities

Answer 1

The serum protein level of 7.1 g/dL indicates effective nutritional teaching for a burn patient's recovery, as it suggests adequate nutritional intake for tissue repair and healing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The serum protein level of 7.1 g/dL indicates that the nutritional teaching provided to a patient recovering from burns has been effective. Adequate protein levels are critical for the healing process after a burn injury since proteins play a vital role in tissue repair and immune function. A protein level within the normal range (6.0-8.3 g/dL) suggests that the patient is receiving sufficient nutrition to support their recovery. Moreover, weight loss, low serum albumin level, and edema are signs that could indicate inadequate nutrition or other complications, but these are not the best indicators of effective nutritional teaching in this context. Therefore, the patient’s serum protein level being within a healthy range is the most relevant sign of effective nutritional education.