Question

Which clients would be appropriate candidates for total parenteral nutrition? Select all that apply.

A. Client who has second- and third-degree (partial- or full-thickness) burns over 40% of the body.
B. A client with peptic ulcer disease.
C. Client who had gastric surgery and is unable to eat for a few weeks.
D. Client with anorexia nervosa.
E. Client who is having shoulder surgery.

Answer 1

Appropriate candidates for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) include clients with extensive burns and those unable to eat after gastric surgery. Those with peptic ulcer disease, anorexia nervosa, or undergoing shoulder surgery would not be appropriate candidates.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clients who would be appropriate candidates for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) include:

1. Client who has second- and third-degree burns over 40% of the body. TPN can provide the necessary nutrients for wound healing and recovery.
2. Client who had gastric surgery and is unable to eat for a few weeks. TPN can provide nutrition while the gastrointestinal tract heals.

Clients who would not be appropriate candidates for TPN include:

1. Client with peptic ulcer disease. This client's gastrointestinal tract should still be able to absorb nutrients, so oral or enteral feeding would be more appropriate.
2. Client with anorexia nervosa. This client should be encouraged to eat normally and receive psychiatric support, rather than relying on TPN.
3. Client who is having shoulder surgery. This client may only need a short period of fasting or clear liquids before surgery, and can resume oral intake shortly thereafter.