An older adults unexplained weight loss of 15 pounds over the past 3 months has prompted a thorough diagnostic workup. What is the nurses rationale for prioritizing biochemical assessment when appraising a persons nutritional status?
A) It identifies abnormalities in the chemical structure of nutrients.
B) It predicts abnormal utilization of nutrients.
C) It reflects the tissue level of a given nutrient.
D) It predicts metabolic abnormalities in nutritional intake.