Which of the following factors can impact a patient's protein status?

Protein status in patients can indeed be influenced by both nutritional and non-nutritional factors, making the selection of the correct answer valid.

Nutritional factors encompass a range of dietary components including the amount and quality of protein intake, calorie consumption, and the presence of essential nutrients that facilitate protein metabolism and synthesis. For instance, a patient’s protein levels can be affected by their dietary habits, food preferences, or restrictions due to medical conditions.

Non-nutritional factors also play a significant role in affecting protein status. These can include physiological factors like the presence of chronic diseases, infections, inflammatory responses, or metabolic changes. Additionally, social and economic factors, such as access to food, food security issues, and overall lifestyle choices, can further influence nutritional intake and health outcomes.

Considering this interplay, it becomes clear that both categories are essential to understanding a comprehensive view of a patient’s protein status, reinforcing the importance of evaluating multiple aspects when assessing a patient’s health and nutritional needs.