Question

For each of the following examples:

a. Calculate the client’s recommended protein intake.

b. Calculate the client’s NB.

c. Indicate whether the client is in + or − nitrogen balance.

d. Discuss the implications of the findings.

1. 45-year-old female, weight 135 lb, protein intake of 38 grams and UUN = 8 grams

a.

b.

c.

d.

2. 89-year-old male, weight 142 lb, protein intake of 69 grams and UUN = 6 grams

a.

b.

c.

d.

3. What is the nitrogen balance of a person who consumed a 3500-kcalorie diet containing 10%

protein and excreted a total of 12 grams of nitrogen?

a. 0 g

b. -3 g

c. -1 g

d. +2 g

Answer 1

Answer to 1a.

Age – 45 years old

Gender – Female

Weight – 135lb = 61.23kg

protein intake - 38gms.

UUN = 8gms.

Since the physical activity is not mentioned and considering the client to lead a sedentary lifestyle the recommended protein intake based on physical activity is 0.8g/kg.

Therefore 0.8g x 61.23kg = 48.9 grams rounded off to 49gms.

The recommended protein intake is 49gms.

Answer to 1b.

Therefore,

NB

= 6.08 - 12.5

NB = - 6.42gms

Answer to 1c.

The nitrogen balance is -6.42gms, which indicates the client is in – ve (negative) nitrogen balance.

Answer to 1d.

A negative NB occurs when the nitrogen loss in urine is greater than oral nitrogen intake and is usually caused due to malnutrition and starvation. The person consumes muscle protein as an energy source.

Answer to 2a.

Age – 89 years old

Gender – Male

Weight – 142lb = 64.41kg

UUN = 6gms.

Protein intake – 69gms

Since the physical activity is not mentioned and considering the client to lead a sedentary lifestyle the recommended protein intake based on physical activity is 0.8g/kg.

Therefore 0.8g x 64.4kg = 51.5 grams rounded off to 52gms.

The recommended protein intake is 52gms.

Answer to 2b.

Therefore,

= 11.04 - 10

= 1.04gms.

The NB is 1.04gms.

Answer to 2c.

The nitrogen balance is 1.04gms, which indicates the client is in + ve (positive) nitrogen balance.

Answer to 2d.

A positive NB occurs when the nitrogen loss in urine is lesser than oral nitrogen intake and occurs in active growth and healing.