Question

A nurse is caring for a ct who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) through a peripherally inserted central catheter. The pharmacist informs the nurse that there will be a delay in delivering the next bag of TPN solution. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

a) Administer a bolus of TPN to compensate for the delay.

b) Consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the TPN prescription.

c) Infuse a dextrose solution until the TPN is available.

d) Discontinue the TPN infusion until the solution arrives.

Answer 1

The nurse should infuse a dextrose solution until the TPN is available to maintain patient glucose levels and prevent hypoglycemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse is informed of a delay in the delivery of the next bag of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for a patient with a peripherally inserted central catheter, the appropriate action to take would be to infuse a dextrose solution until the TPN is available. Administering a bolus of TPN or discontinuing the infusion until the solution arrives might cause harm and disrupt the patient's nutritional status and glucose levels. Consulting with a healthcare provider is a proactive step, but it does not address the immediate need to maintain an appropriate glucose level for the patient. Therefore, the correct action is c) Infuse a dextrose solution until the TPN is available.