As a sodium atom is oxidized the number of protons in its nucleus

The proton remains the same.

Explanation:

Oxidation is simply defined as the loss of electron(s) during a chemical reaction either by an atom, molecule or ion.

Oxidation is strictly on the transfer of electron(s) and not proton.

A metal that undergoes oxidation still has its protons intact otherwise it will not be called the ion of the metal since atomic number is called the proton number.

Sodium (Na) undergoes oxidation as follow:

Na —> Na+ + e-

Na is called sodium metal.

Na+ is called sodium ion.

Na has 11 electrons and 11 protons

Na+ has 10 electrons and 11 protons

From the above illustration, we can see that the protons of Na and Na+ are the same why their electrons differ because Na+ indicates that 1 electron has been loss or transferred.

so what is the problem with your lab report and whats the subject of the lab report? i will you