Question

A nurse is caring for a client receiving TPN by IV at 60mL/hr. The nurse discovers the infusion pump isn't working. Which action should the nurse take while waiting for a new pump?

A. Administer a bolus of TPN to catch up on the missed infusion.
B. Slow down the rate of the infusion manually with a syringe.
C. Start an IV line with a different solution until the pump is fixed.
D. Discontinue the TPN infusion and monitor the client closely.

Answer 1

The nurse should manually slow down the rate of the TPN infusion using a syringe while waiting for a new pump.

Step-by-step explanation:

While waiting for a new infusion pump, the nurse should slow down the rate of the TPN infusion manually with a syringe (Option B). The nurse can use a syringe to temporarily regulate the flow of the TPN by adjusting it to deliver the necessary volume over the desired time period.

Administering a bolus of TPN (Option A) is not recommended as it can lead to complications and may overload the patient's system. Starting an IV line with a different solution (Option C) is unnecessary and can disrupt the continuous infusion of TPN.

Discontinuing the TPN infusion and closely monitoring the client (Option D) is not the appropriate course of action, as it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and compromised patient care.