For the client who is receiving parenteral nutrition via a central ven

For the client who is receiving parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter, the nurse recog-nizes that a priority is to:

1. Use sterile technique during the administration of the feedings
2. Maintain the initial infusion rate at no more than 40 to 60 mL/hr
3. Complete the administration of the feeding within 12 hours
4. Have radiographic confirmation of the placement of the catheter

ANSWER

ANS: 4
After catheter placement, the catheter is flushed with saline or heparin until the position is radio-graphically confirmed. Aseptic technique, not sterile technique, is used during the administration of feedings. An initial rate of 40 to 60 mL/hr is recommended, and the rate is gradually in-creased. The rate of administration is not the priority. The nurse must first confirm correct place-ment of the catheter. A single container of PN should hang no longer than 24 hours; lipids no more than 12 hours. The nurse must first confirm correct placement of the catheter before any infusion is begun.