Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and is prescribed an oral diet. The client asks the nurse why the TPN is being continued since he is now eating. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

- "Your blood glucose levels need to be within normal range before the parenteral nutrition can be stopped."

- "You should consume at least 60 of your calories orally before the parenteral nutrition can be discontinued."

- "Your bowel movements need to be regular before the therapy can be discontinued."

Answer 1

The nurse should respond, "Your bowel movements need to be regular before the therapy can be discontinued."

Step-by-step explanation:

Continuing total parenteral nutrition (TPN) while a client is on an oral diet may be necessary until their bowel movements are regular. TPN provides nutrients intravenously, bypassing the digestive system, and ensuring adequate nutrition when oral intake is insufficient. Regular bowel movements indicate that the digestive system is functioning appropriately and can absorb nutrients from oral intake, making it safe to discontinue TPN.

In some cases, patients may need TPN if their digestive system is not yet ready to handle full oral nutrition. Monitoring bowel movements is a key indicator of gastrointestinal function. Once regular bowel function is established, it suggests that the patient's digestive system is effectively absorbing nutrients from the oral diet, making it appropriate to discontinue TPN.

Therefore, the nurse's response emphasizes the importance of regular bowel movements as a crucial factor in determining when TPN can be safely discontinued. This approach ensures that the transition from TPN to oral nutrition is based on the patient's ability to digest and absorb nutrients through the natural digestive process, promoting a smooth and safe recovery.

Answer 2

The nurse should respond, "Your bowel movements need to be regular before the therapy can be discontinued."

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client is on an oral diet, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may need to be continued until the client has regular bowel movements. When oral intake is inadequate, TPN ensures enough nourishment by supplying nutrients intravenously, avoiding the digestive system. It is okay to stop taking TPN when bowel movements are regular since they show that the digestive system is operating normally and can absorb nutrients from oral intake.

If a patient's digestive system is not yet prepared to take full oral nutrition, they may occasionally require TPN. One important way to monitor gastrointestinal function is to track bowel movements. It is advisable to stop the TPN after regular bowel function is achieved, as this indicates that the patient's digestive system is adequately absorbing nutrients from the oral diet.

As a result, the nurse's reaction highlights how critical it is to have regular bowel movements in order to determine whether it is safe to stop taking TPN. By using this method, a patient's ability to absorb nutrients through their own natural digestive process will be the basis for the transition from TPN to oral nutrition, ensuring a safe and easy recovery.