A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
B. Daily weight monitoring helps assess fluid balance and the effectiveness of TPN therapy. Sudden weight changes can indicate fluid retention or inadequate nutrition delivery, necessitating adjustments in TPN components.A. TPN solutions are highly concentrated and need precise control over infusion rates to prevent complications such as hyperglycemia or fluid overload. Using an infusion pump allows for accurate delivery according to prescribed rates.C. TPN therapy is tailored to meet nutritional needs based on specific patient factors such as weight, metabolic requirements, and clinical condition rather than blood pressure alone. Adjustments are typically based on nutritional assessments and lab values rather than blood pressure readings.D. TPN solutions contain dextrose, which can significantly affect blood glucose levels. Regular monitoring (often several times a day initially and then less frequently based on stability) helps detect hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia promptly and allows for timely adjustments in TPN dextrose concentrations or insulin therapy.