A nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse who is administering total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to a client. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates a need for the nurse to intervene?
Uses the TPN IV tubing to administer the client's next dose of antibiotics
Plans for a check of the client's fingerstick glucose level every 6 hr
Gradually increases the TPN infusion rate each hour until the prescribed rate is achieved
Schedules a bag and tubing change for 24 hr after the start of the infusion
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Uses the TPN IV tubing to administer the client's next dose of antibiotics: TPN lines should never be used for administering other medications or fluids because this increases the risk of contamination, infection, and incompatibility reactions. TPN requires dedicated IV access to maintain sterility and prevent complications such as sepsis.
B. Plans for a check of the client's fingerstick glucose level every 6 hr: Monitoring blood glucose regularly is essential during TPN administration because high dextrose concentrations can cause hyperglycemia. Checking every 4–6 hours aligns with safe monitoring practices and does not require intervention.
C. Gradually increases the TPN infusion rate each hour until the prescribed rate is achieved: Slowly titrating the TPN rate helps the client adjust to the high glucose content and reduces the risk of hyperglycemia or fluid overload. This demonstrates safe and appropriate administration practice.
D. Schedules a bag and tubing change for 24 hr after the start of the infusion: Changing the TPN solution and tubing every 24 hours is consistent with infection control guidelines. This action maintains sterility and prevents microbial growth, reflecting proper technique.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. WBC count 10,000/mm³ (5,000 to 10,000/mm³): This value is at the upper limit of normal. Mild elevations can occur during early pregnancy due to physiological changes and do not typically require immediate reporting unless accompanied by signs of infection.
B. Fasting blood glucose 80 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): This value falls within the normal fasting glucose range for adults and is not concerning during early pregnancy. No intervention or reporting is necessary for this result.
C. Hematocrit 30% (37% to 47%): This value is below the normal range, indicating anemia. Early pregnancy anemia can increase the risk of maternal fatigue, preterm birth, and low birth weight. The nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and possible iron supplementation.
D. RBC count 6 million/mm³ (4.2 to 6.1 million/mm³): This value is within the normal range for red blood cells. It does not indicate any immediate concern and does not require reporting to the provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who has a complete femur fracture and reports a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10: Severe pain is significant and requires timely management, but it is not immediately life-threatening compared to acute cardiac events. Pain control should follow stabilization of critical conditions.
B. A client who has left shoulder pain and S-T elevation on a 12-lead ECG: ST-segment elevation indicates a possible acute myocardial infarction, which is a life-threatening emergency. Prompt assessment and intervention are crucial to prevent cardiac damage or death, making this the highest priority.
C. A client who has Clostridium difficile and a temperature of 38.5°C (101.5°F): Fever and infection require attention, but this client is currently stable compared with someone experiencing an acute myocardial infarction. Infection control and monitoring can follow stabilization of higher-priority emergencies.
D. A client who has orthostatic hypotension and 4+ pitting edema in the lower extremities: These findings indicate fluid imbalance and cardiovascular compromise, but they are not as immediately life-threatening as an acute STEMI. Monitoring and management should follow urgent cardiac care.
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