Question

The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which action by the nurse would represent appropriate care of this client?

A
Monitor for cardiac arrhythmias
B
Sterile technique for dressing change at IV site Correct Answer (Blank)
C
Maintain strict intake and output records
D
Record the number of stools per day

Answer 1

The appropriate care for a client on TPN is using sterile technique for IV site dressing changes to prevent infection. Intake and output records as well as stool recording are also vital but secondary to aseptic technique.

Step-by-step explanation:

The care of a client receiving intravenous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) requires meticulous attention to prevent complications such as infection and ensure the therapeutic effectiveness of the treatment. Among the options given, the appropriate action representing quality care would be sterile technique for dressing change at IV site. This involves the nurse using a sterile procedure when changing the dressing to prevent the introduction of pathogens, which could lead to a site infection, a common complication with intravenous lines and ports.

Maintaining strict intake and output records and recording the number of stools per day are also important as they help monitor the client's fluid balance and gastrointestinal function, vital in assessing the effectiveness and tolerance to TPN. While monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias may be relevant in some clinical circumstances, it is less likely directly related to the administration of TPN than the need for aseptic technique in an IV site dressing change.