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    Ati rn pharmacology 2023 proctored exam

    A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who will receive total parenteral nutrition (TPN) at home. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Total parenteral nutrition is a complex hypertonic solution containing essential nutrients delivered via a central venous access device. It bypasses the gastrointestinal tract to provide complete metabolic support for patients with severe malabsorption or bowel failure. Rationale: A. Daily weights are essential for monitoring fluid volume status and the effectiveness of nutritional support in patients receiving home total parenteral nutrition. Rapid weight gain exceeding 1 kg per day may indicate fluid retention or heart failure, while weight loss suggests inadequate caloric intake. Consistent recording allows the healthcare team to adjust the macronutrient composition to meet the client's metabolic demands safely. B. Speeding up the infusion rate to compensate for a delay is strictly contraindicated as it can cause severe hyperglycemia or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. The high glucose concentration in TPN requires a steady infusion rate to allow the pancreas to secret adequate insulin. If an infusion falls behind, the nurse must instruct the client to maintain the prescribed rate and notify the provider rather than "catching up." C. A single container of total parenteral nutrition must not infuse for more than 24 hr to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. The high concentration of dextrose and lipids provides an ideal medium for microbial proliferation, significantly increasing the risk of central line-associated bloodstream infections. Bags and tubing must be discarded and replaced daily using strict aseptic technique to maintain the safety of the infusion. D. Central line dressings typically do not require changes every 24 hr unless they become damp, loose, or visibly soiled. Standard protocols usually recommend changing transparent semipermeable dressings every 7 days or gauze dressings every 48 hr to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the insertion site. Frequent, unnecessary dressing changes can irritate the skin and increase the potential for accidental catheter dislodgement.

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