Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients with Oncologic Disorders Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Management of Patients with Oncologic Disorders related questions and content

A patient with a diagnosis of gastric cancer has been unable to tolerate oral food and fluid intake and her tumor location precludes the use of enteral feeding. What intervention should the nurse identify as best meeting this patients nutritional needs?

  • A. Administration of parenteral feeds via a peripheral IV
  • B. TPN administered via a peripherally inserted central catheter
  • C. Insertion of an NG tube for administration of feeds
  • D. Maintaining NPO status and IV hydration until treatment completion
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: If malabsorption is severe, or the cancer involves the upper GI tract, parenteral nutrition may be necessary. TPN is administered by way of a central line, not a peripheral IV. An NG would be contraindicated for this patient. Long-term NPO status would result in malnutrition.