Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). the current bag of TPN is empty and a new bag is not available on the unit. which of the following solutions should the nurse infuse until a new bag of TPN is available?

a) 0.9% normal saline
b) 5% dextrose in water
c) Lactated Ringer's solution
d) 10% glucose solution

Answer 1

In a situation where a TPN bag runs out and a new one is not available, a 10% glucose solution should be infused temporarily to prevent hypoglycemia and maintain caloric intake until TPN is resumed.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse finds that the bag of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for a client is empty and a new bag is not immediately available, the nurse should infuse a 10% glucose solution as a temporary measure. This is because it is essential to maintain the continuous infusion of high-calorie solutions to prevent hypoglycemia due to the sudden withdrawal of the TPN, which contains a high concentration of glucose.

A 10% glucose solution provides an appropriate amount of calories and is isotonic, which is important for patient safety. Using an isotonic solution like this prevents rapid changes in fluid and electrolyte balance. The nurse must also monitor the client's blood sugar levels closely during this time and adjust the infusion rate as needed until the new bag of TPN is available.