NCLEX Questions on Gastrointestinal System Related

Review NCLEX Questions on Gastrointestinal System related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who requires total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take when finding that the TPN solution is infusing too rapidly?

  • A. Turn the client on his left side.
  • B. Sit the client upright.
  • C. Prepare to add insulin to the TPN infusion.
  • D. Stop the TPN infusion.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Stop the TPN infusion. If the TPN solution is infusing too rapidly, stopping the infusion is the most appropriate immediate action to prevent potential complications such as hyperglycemia, fluid overload, or electrolyte imbalances. This allows the nurse to assess the situation, adjust the infusion rate, and prevent harm to the client.

A: Turning the client on his left side or sitting the client upright would not directly address the issue of the TPN solution infusing too rapidly.
C: Adding insulin to the TPN infusion without assessing the client's blood glucose levels and consulting with the healthcare provider could lead to hypoglycemia and is not the initial priority when the TPN rate is too fast.