Question

Nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving TPN and is NPO. When reviewing the chart, the nurse notes the following prescription: capillary blood glucose AC and HS. Which of the following action should the nurse take?

A. Check patient's BG according to facility meal times
B. Contact primary care provider to clarify prescription
C. Request meals to be provided for patient
D. Hold prescription until the patient is no longer NPO

Answer 1

The nurse should check the patient's blood glucose levels at times corresponding to normal meal times and at bedtime, per the AC and HS prescription, taking into account that the patient is receiving TPN and is NPO.

Step-by-step explanation:

The capillary blood glucose AC and HS prescription means that the patient's blood glucose levels should be checked before meals (AC, ante cibum) and at bedtime (HS, hora somni). Since the patient is receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and is NPO (nil per os, or nothing by mouth), the nurse should follow the facility's guidelines for checking the blood glucose levels according to the times that the patient would normally have meals if they were not NPO. Adjustments may still need to be made to the TPN based on the blood glucose readings. There is no need to contact the primary care provider for clarification since the prescription is clear, nor is there a need to request meals or hold the prescription. The patient's nutritional needs are being met through TPN, and blood glucose monitoring is an essential component of managing their care.