The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving parenteral nutrition

The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention when administering parenteral nutrition to a client?

1. Begin the infusion rates at 100 to 150 mL/hour.
2. Maintain a consistent infusion rate.
3. Change the infusion tubing once a week.
4. Monitor protein levels daily.

ANSWER

ANS: 2
The infusion should be maintained at a consistent rate. If an infusion falls behind schedule, the nurse should not increase the rate in an attempt to catch up, because this could lead to osmotic diuresis and dehydration. An infusion should not be discontinued abruptly, because it may cause hypoglycemia. An initial rate of 40 to 60 mL/hr is recommended. To avoid infection, the infusion tubing should be changed every 24 hours with lipids and every 48 hours when lipids are not in-fused. Protein levels do not need to be monitored daily. The client should be weighed daily until maximum administration rate is reached and maintained for 24 hours; then weigh the client 3 times per week.