A student asks the nurse why a peripherally inserted central catheter is needed for a patient receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) with 25% dextrose. Which response by the nurse is accurate?

Choice A reason: While blood glucose monitoring is essential for patients receiving TPN, it is not specifically necessary to obtain samples from a central line. Blood glucose levels can be monitored through peripheral blood samples.

Choice B reason: There is actually an increased risk of infection with central lines compared to peripheral lines due to the invasive nature of central line placement and its location. Proper aseptic technique is critical to minimize this risk.

Choice C reason: The hypertonic solution will be more rapidly diluted when given through a central line. This is a critical point because the central veins have a higher blood flow and larger volume, which helps to quickly dilute the hypertonic TPN solution. This reduces the risk of phlebitis and damage to the smaller peripheral veins, making central lines more suitable for infusing highly concentrated solutions like 25% dextrose.

Choice D reason: While a central line can allow for the rapid administration of infusions, this is not the primary reason for its use with TPN. The key factor is the dilution of the hypertonic solution, as central lines handle high osmolarity solutions better than peripheral veins.

Choice A reason: Cantaloupe and cottage cheese are not particularly high in iron. While cantaloupe provides vitamin C, which can enhance iron absorption, the overall iron content of this meal is low, making it less effective for treating iron-deficiency anemia.

Choice B reason: Cornmeal muffin and orange juice offer some nutrients, including vitamin C from orange juice, which helps with iron absorption. However, cornmeal muffins do not provide significant iron content, making this choice suboptimal for iron-deficiency anemia.

Choice C reason: Strawberry and banana fruit plate provides vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from strawberries, but it lacks substantial iron content. This choice is not adequate for addressing iron-deficiency anemia.

Choice D reason: Omelet and whole wheat toast are excellent choices for increasing dietary iron intake. Eggs in the omelet provide heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body, and whole wheat toast contains non-heme iron. Combined, they offer a balanced and effective meal for managing iron-deficiency anemia.