A nurse is caring for a client who has a major burn injury and is receiving total parenteral nutrition. Which of the following laboratory tests is the priority for the nurse to use to confirm the client is receiving adequate nutrition?

Choice A reason: Dyspnea is a sign of pulmonary edema, which can occur as a complication of parenteral nutrition due to fluid overload or allergic reaction¹². The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status and oxygen saturation and report any signs of respiratory distress.

Choice B reason: Parenteral nutrition should not be infused by gravity, as this can cause fluctuations in the infusion rate and lead to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia¹³. The nurse should use an infusion pump to deliver parenteral nutrition at a constant and controlled rate.

Choice C reason: Parenteral nutrition solution should be administered within 30 min after removing from the refrigerator, as prolonged exposure to room temperature can increase the risk of bacterial contamination and infection¹⁴. The nurse should check the expiration date and inspect the solution for any discoloration, cloudiness, or particulate matter before administration.

Choice D reason: Parenteral nutrition bag and infusion tubing should be changed every 24 hr, not every 72 hr, to prevent the growth of microorganisms and reduce the risk of infection¹⁵. The nurse should use aseptic technique when changing the bag and tubing and follow the facility's protocol for dressing changes and catheter care.

Choice E reason: Parenteral nutrition should be started only after the central venous catheter position is confirmed by radiology, as incorrect placement can cause serious complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, or cardiac tamponade¹⁶. The nurse should obtain a chest x-ray and wait for the provider's confirmation before initiating parenteral nutrition.

Choice A reason: The client should not replace salt with soy sauce, as soy sauce is not kosher. Soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and wheat, which are not allowed in a kosher diet. The client should use kosher salt or other kosher seasonings instead.

Choice B reason: The client's primary vegetables should not be squash and corn, as they are not considered kosher. Squash and corn are classified as kitniyot, which are legumes, grains, seeds, and other plant products that are not allowed in a kosher diet. The client should eat more leafy greens, root vegetables, and fruits, which are kosher.

Choice C reason: The client can eat meat and nondairy margarine together, as they are both kosher. Nondairy margarine is made from vegetable oils, which are pareve, meaning they are neither meat nor dairy. The client should avoid eating meat and dairy products together, as they are not kosher.

Choice D reason: The client does not need to use their right hand when eating food, as this is not a requirement of a kosher diet. This is a practice of some Muslims, who believe that the right hand is for eating and the left hand is for cleaning. The client should follow the rules of kashrut, which are the Jewish laws of kosher food.