03-03-2008, 08:43 AM
A 72-year-old woman has progressive dysphagia for 3 months. When examined, she is profoundly malnourished and somewhat dehydrated. Barium swallow shows a cancer of the esophagogastric junction, and endoscopy confirms a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus. At the time of the endoscopy, a small caliber feeding tube is passed into the stomach. Plans are made to give her intensive nutritional support for 5-10 days before performing a transhiatal esophagectomy. Which of the following is the best way to follow the progress of her nutritional status?
A. Daily blood sugar
B. Daily body weight
C. Serum albumin levels
D. Serum prealbumin levels
E. Serum transferrin levels
A. Daily blood sugar
B. Daily body weight
C. Serum albumin levels
D. Serum prealbumin levels
E. Serum transferrin levels