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.
![]() |
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Planning to have the client lay down for 1 hour after meals is not an appropriate intervention for a client with COPD. It may increase the risk of aspiration and worsen their breathing difficulties.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the client to use the upper chest for respiration is not the best approach for a client with COPD. Pursed-lip breathing helps improve oxygen exchange and decreases air trapping, which is more effective in managing COPD.
Choice D rationale:
Restricting the client's fluid intake to less than 1 Vday is not a suitable intervention for a client with COPD. Dehydration can lead to thicker mucus, making it harder to breathe
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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.