Question

A nurse monitors a patient receiving TPN for complications of the therapy and should assess the patient for which manifestation of hyperglycemia?

A. Fever, weak pulse, and thirst
B. Nausea, vomiting, and oliguria
C. Sweating, chills, and abdominal pain
D. Weakness, thirst, and increased urine output

Answer 1

For a patient on TPN displaying hyperglycemia, the nurse should look for signs of weakness, increased thirst, and frequent urination, which are typical manifestations of high blood sugar levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse monitoring a patient receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) for complications of the therapy should assess for manifestations of hyperglycemia, which are most likely to present as weakness, thirst, and increased urine output. These symptoms correspond with physiological changes in the body as it attempts to manage the excess glucose in the blood. Polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (frequent thirst), and polyphagia (increased hunger) are classic signs of hyperglycemia as the kidneys try to filter the surplus glucose, leading to increased urine production and concurrent dehydration, causing increased thirst. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Weakness, thirst, and increased urine output.