Exhibits

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

For each potential nursing intervention, click to specify if the potential intervention is anticipated, nonessential, or contraindicated for the client.

Obtain client weight twice daily

Anticipated: This intervention is anticipated. Monitoring the client's weight is crucial when they are receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) to assess for fluid status, nutritional adequacy, and response to therapy. It helps in adjusting TPN rates and managing fluid balance.

Have 3 nurses verify the TPN solution prescription

Anticipated: Verifying TPN solution prescription by multiple nurses is a critical safety measure to prevent errors in TPN administration, which can have serious consequences. This ensures that the TPN solution matches the prescribed order in terms of content, concentration, and rate.

Request a prescription for insulin

Anticipated: Given the client's hyperglycemia (fasting blood glucose of 140 mg/dL) and potential exacerbation by TPN administration (which can be rich in glucose), requesting insulin is appropriate. Insulin helps manage blood glucose levels and prevent hyperglycemia, especially important in clients with diabetes or those on TPN.

Request an antibiotic to be administered

Anticipated: The client presents with signs of infection (fever, productive cough, yellow sputum) and crackles auscultated in the lungs, indicating a possible respiratory infection. Requesting antibiotics is essential to treat the infection promptly and prevent further complications.

Decrease the client's oxygen to 1.5 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula

Nonessential: The client is currently receiving 2 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula with an oxygen saturation of 90%. Decreasing the oxygen flow may compromise oxygenation further, especially given the crackles and productive cough. It is more appropriate to maintain or potentially increase oxygen support based on the client's oxygen saturation.

Notify provider to increase TPN rate/hr

Contraindicated: The client has diarrhea (3 episodes in the past 4 hours) and an abdominal distension, which may indicate gastrointestinal intolerance to TPN. Increasing the TPN rate could exacerbate diarrhea and worsen fluid and electrolyte imbalances. It is important to address the underlying cause of diarrhea and abdominal symptoms before considering any increase in TPN rate.