Parenteral Nutrition Nclex review
A client who has been receiving total parenteral nutrition by way of a central venous access device complains of chest pain and dyspnea. The nurse quickly assesses the client's vital signs and notes that the pulse rate has increased and that the blood pressure has dropped. The nurse determines that the client is most likely experiencing which sign?
Air embolism
A primary health care provider prescribes a parenteral nutrition solution to start at 50 mL/hr by infusion pump via an established subclavian central line. After 2 hours of initiating the parenteral nutrition infusion, the client suddenly complains of difficulty in breathing and chest pain. Which action would the nurse prepare to do first?
Clamp the parenteral nutrition infusion.
A client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) complains of a headache. The nurse notes that the client has an increased blood pressure and a bounding pulse. The nurse reports the findings, knowing that these signs/symptoms are indicative of which complication of this therapy?
Fluid overload
The nurse is assigned to care for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition via the subclavian vein. The nurse should identify which intervention in the plan of care for the client as the priority?
Monitoring the insertion site for signs of infection
A client has been receiving parenteral nutrition at 125 mL/hr for 5 days. On data collection, the LPN notes bilateral crackles and 2+ pedal edema and that the client has gained 3 pounds in 5 days. Which would be appropriate as the initial nursing action?
Notify the registered nurse of the findings.
A client has been on total parenteral nutrition for 8 weeks. The primary health care provider prescribes that the total parenteral nutrition be weaned down by 50 mL/hr/day until discontinued. The client asks the nurse, "Why doesn't the doctor just stop the parenteral nutrition instead of dragging it on for 3 days?" The nursing response should be to explain that the primary health care provider is concerned about which phenomenon?
Rebound hypoglycemia
The nurse notes redness, warmth, and a yellowish drainage at the insertion site of a central venous catheter in a client receiving parenteral nutrition. These findings indicate which potential complication?
There may be an infection at the central catheter site, which can lead to septicemia.
A primary health care provider prescribes an intravenous fat emulsion solution for a client who will be receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). The nurse should explain to the client the administration of the fat emulsion solution is for which reason?
To provide essential fatty acids and additional calories
A client has had extensive surgery on the gastrointestinal tract and has been started on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The client tells the nurse, "I think I'm going crazy. I feel like I'm starving, and yet that bag is supposed to be feeding me." Which is the best response from the nurse?
"That is because the empty stomach sends signals to the brain to stimulate hunger."
