Physiological AdaptationQuestion 179 of 2368

Which client is most likely to be in a negative nitrogen balance?

  1. A client with severe infection
  2. A client eating a high-protein diet
  3. A healthy client at a stable weight
  4. A client with excess protein intake
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Correct answer: A client with severe infection

Negative nitrogen balance means the body excretes more nitrogen than it takes in. It is seen in starvation and severe infection.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Nutrition: PROTEINS. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026