The normal level of zinc in blood is:

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

The normal reference range for zinc in blood plasma or serum is 70 to 120 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).
This range reflects an adequate level for zinc's essential roles, including acting as a component in over 300 enzymes, supporting immune function, and facilitating wound healing.
Values within this range indicate a healthy zinc status, while levels below 70 mcg/dL are generally considered indicative of a deficiency.

Option A: This range is significantly below the normal level and indicates a moderate to severe zinc deficiency (hypozincemia).
Option B: This range represents a severe zinc deficiency, which would be associated with significant clinical symptoms.
Option C: This range is considered borderline low to mildly deficient. The lower limit of the normal range is typically accepted as 70 mcg/dL.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Normal laboratory values for trace minerals (Zinc) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must recognize signs of zinc deficiency (e.g., delayed wound healing, dermatitis, alopecia) in at-risk patients, such as those with malabsorption syndromes, chronic liver disease, or severe burns.
Patient education should include dietary sources of zinc, such as red meat, poultry, beans, and nuts, especially for individuals with identified deficiencies or poor nutritional intake.
What if? A patient with a chronic, non-healing leg ulcer has a zinc level of 60 mcg/dL. The nurse should anticipate collaborating with the provider to initiate zinc supplementation and intensify dietary teaching to promote tissue repair and immune function.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests knowledge of standard laboratory values.
Identify the key term in the question: 'normal level of zinc'.
Access your memory of common lab values for trace minerals.
Compare the memorized range with the given options and select the one that matches. The standard reference range for zinc is 70-120 mcg/dL.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QHDBKQUq68QgfNjdCyZNfx

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 160-162

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 469-471

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.