Which intervention is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to implement for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
Collect fingerstick glucose levels
Implement bleeding precautions
Obtain daily weights
Check urine for albumin
The Correct Answer is A
a) Collect fingerstick glucose levels. Correct
Collecting fingerstick glucose levels is the most important intervention for the PN to implement for a client who is receiving TPN. TPN is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and provides all the nutritional needs of the body through a vein. TPN contains a high concentration of glucose, which can cause hyperglycemia or fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the client's glucose levels frequently and adjust the infusion rate or insulin administration accordingly.
b) Implement bleeding precautions.
Implementing bleeding precautions is not the most important intervention for the PN to implement for a client who is receiving TPN. Bleeding precautions are measures to prevent or minimize bleeding in clients who have a high risk of hemorrhage due to conditions such as thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, or anticoagulant therapy. TPN does not directly increase the risk of bleeding, although it may affect the liver function and clotting factors in some cases². Therefore, bleeding precautions are not a priority for a client who is receiving TPN.
c) Obtain daily weights.
Obtaining daily weights is not the most important intervention for the PN to implement for a client who is receiving TPN. Obtaining daily weights is a way to monitor the client's fluid balance, nutritional status, and response to therapy. TPN can cause fluid overload, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances in some cases²⁵. Therefore, obtaining daily weights is important, but not as important as monitoring glucose levels.
d) Check urine for albumin.
Checking urine for albumin is not the most important intervention for the PN to implement for a client who is receiving TPN. Checking urine for albumin is a way to detect proteinuria, which is an indicator of kidney damage or disease. TPN does not directly cause kidney problems, although it may affect the renal function and urine output in some cases². Therefore, checking urine for albumin is not a priority for a client who is receiving TPN.
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Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When a client reports experiencing numbness and ngling in the extremies, it is crucial for the praccal nurse (PN) to prioritise reporting the client's electrolyte levels to the healthcare provider. Electrolytes are essential minerals that help maintain the balance of fluids in the body and enable proper nerve and muscle function. Imbalances in electrolyte levels can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness and ngling.
Opons a, b, and d are not the correct priories to report in this situation:
a) Hematocrit: Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. While abnormalies in hematocrit can indicate certain conditions, such as anaemia, it is not directly associated with numbness and ngling in the extremes.
b) Albumin and protein levels: Albumin and protein levels are important for assessing nutritional status and liver function. While low levels of protein can contribute to various health issues, they are not the primary concern when a client experiences numbness and ngling in the extremities.
d) White blood cell count (WBC): WBC count is used to evaluate the immune system's response to infection or inflammation. While infections or inflammatory conditions can cause neurological symptoms, such as ngling, it is not the primary concern in this specific case of numbness and ngling.
Therefore, the most appropriate laboratory value to prioritise reporting in this scenario is the client's electrolyte levels, as imbalances can directly contribute to the reported symptoms and may require prompt intervention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring vital signs and neurological status frequently is the priority intervention for the client because it can detect changes in the client's condition, such as increased intracranial pressure, bleeding, or infection, that require immediate action.
Choice B reason: Maintaining strict bed rest to minimize cerebral blood flow is not the priority intervention for the client because it can increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or pneumoniA. The client should be positioned with the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees to reduce intracranial pressure and facilitate drainagE.
Choice C reason: Administering anticoagulant medications as prescribed is not the priority intervention for the client because it can worsen the bleeding and increase the risk of hemorrhagic transformation. Anticoagulants are contraindicated for clients who have hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.
Choice D reason: Assisting the client with active range of motion exercises is not the priority intervention for the client because it can cause fatigue, pain, or injury to the affected limbs. The client should be assisted with passive range of motion exercises to prevent contractures and maintain joint mobility.
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