A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Monitor the client's weight daily.
Hang the TPN solution to gravity to infuse.
Titrate TPN solution to blood pressure.
Obtain the client's blood glucose level weekly.
Answer and Rationale
The Correct Answer is A.
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a method of administration of essential nutrients to the body through a central vein.
TPN solutions are customized for each client’s needs, including the exact amount of calories and nutrients necessary for total nutritional needs.
Monitoring the client’s weight daily is important to determine if nutritional goals are being met and to assess fluid volume status.
Choice B is wrong because TPN solutions are concentrated and can cause thrombosis of peripheral veins, so they require a central venous catheter and should not be hung to gravity to infuse.
Choice C is wrong because TPN solution should not be titrated to blood pressure.
Choice D is wrong because the client’s blood glucose level should be monitored more frequently than weekly when receiving TPN.