For what complication should a nurse monitor in a patient on total parenteral nutrition TPN?
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Total parenteral nutrition can provide an individual with the necessary nutritional support and provision of therapeutic nutrients to maintain or restore optimal nutrition status and health. Total Parenteral Nutrition bypasses the digestive system by dripping a nutritionally adequate hypertonic solution containing glucose, protein, hydrolysates, minerals and vitramins directly into the venous system through an indwelling catheter into the superior vena cava or another main vein. MACRO-NUTRIENTS:
OTHERS:
MICRO-NUTRIENTS:
A bag of TPN provides the patient with about 2270kcal nutritional intake. This high calorie intake is not considered to be too much since patients on TPN are usually fighting inflammation, requiring wound healing etc. Indications for Total Parenteral NutritionTotal Parenteral Nutrition is indicated for patients who:
DIGESTIVE DISORDERS:
NON-DIGESTIVE DISORDERS:
Contraindications for Total Parenteral Nutrition
TPN and CVCs Complications
Patient Monitoring
TPN Bag Changing Technique
Below you can find a video that can help provide a more visual approach to total parenteral nutrition. Total Parenteral Nutrition OSCE
Special thanks to the creators of the featured video on this post, specifically Youtube Channel University of Manitoba Nursing Skills. Featured image credit: https://badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/parenteral-nutrition/ Did you find the above nursing information useful? Follow us on Facebook and fill in your email address below to receive new blogposts in your inbox as soon as they’re published 🙂
Claire Galea is a mum of three currently following a Degree in Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, as a mature student. Claire is keen about public education on health-related subjects as well as holistic patient-centered care. She is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. Claire aspires to continue studying following completion of her Nursing Degree, because she truly believes in lifelong education. Claire Galea is a mum of three currently following a Degree in Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, as a mature student. Claire is keen about public education on health-related subjects as well as holistic patient-centered care. She is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. Claire aspires to continue studying following completion of her Nursing Degree, because she truly believes in lifelong education. View all posts by Claire Post navigationWhich complications would the nurse monitor for in a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition?Complications Associated with Total Parenteral Nutrition. Dehydration and electrolyte Imbalances.. Thrombosis (blood clots). Hyperglycemia (high blood sugars). Hypoglycemia (low blood sugars). Infection.. Liver Failure.. Micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin and minerals). What possible complication does the nurse observe for when administering total parenteral nutrition TPN )?Infection: Infection is probably the most commonly occurring complication associated with total parenteral nutrition.
What should be monitored while on TPN?Weight, electrolytes, and blood urea nitrogen should be monitored often (eg, daily for inpatients). Plasma glucose should be monitored every 6 hours until patients and glucose levels become stable. Fluid intake and output should be monitored continuously.
What is the most common complication associated with TPN administration?Fatty liver is the most common complication, whereas intrahepatic cholestasis or hepatitis are less frequent.
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