A client is admitted to the emergency room with renal calculi. Upon assessment, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A: Fever and chills Fever and chills are not typically associated with the abrupt cessation of TPN. These symptoms are more commonly related to infections or inflammatory processes in the body. While infections can be a complication of TPN due to the invasive nature of the therapy, they are not a direct result of the discontinuation of the infusion. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. Fluids are given into a vein to provide most of the nutrients the body needs. The sudden stop in the infusion of TPN can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia, because the body has become accustomed to the continuous influx of glucose from the TPN solution.

Choice B: Hypertension and crackles Hypertension (high blood pressure) and crackles (sounds heard on lung auscultation indicative of fluid in the air spaces) are not expected clinical manifestations due to the stopping of TPN. These symptoms are more commonly associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, respectively.

Choice C: Excessive thirst and urination Excessive thirst and urination could be symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which might occur if TPN is infused too quickly or if the patient has an increased insulin requirement. However, these are not the immediate concerns when TPN is abruptly stopped.

Choice D: Shakiness and diaphoresis Shakiness and diaphoresis (sweating) are common signs of hypoglycemia, which can occur if TPN is stopped suddenly. The body may have been receiving a steady supply of glucose from the TPN, and a sudden halt can cause blood sugar levels to drop quickly. This can lead to symptoms such as weakness, shakiness, sweating, and even confusion or loss of consciousness if not addressed promptly. When TPN is abruptly discontinued, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of hypoglycemia, including shakiness and diaphoresis. It is important to restart the TPN infusion as soon as possible or provide an alternative source of glucose to prevent hypoglycemia and its potential complications.

Choice A: Tachypnea Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is not typically a direct sign of increased ICP. While it can be associated with various medical conditions, it is not specifically indicative of increased ICP. However, it’s important to note that breathing patterns can change with advanced ICP changes, but these are usually characterized by irregularities rather than just increased rate. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a critical condition that can occur after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It results from the brain tissue’s response to injury, leading to swelling or bleeding within the skull. The skull is a rigid structure, so any increase in content, such as blood or edema, can lead to an increase in pressure.

Choice B: Hypotension Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is generally not associated with increased ICP. In fact, one of the signs of increased ICP is Cushing’s triad, which includes hypertension (high blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and irregular respirations. Therefore, hypotension would not be a typical manifestation of increased ICP.

Choice C: Decreased level of consciousness A decreased level of consciousness is a hallmark sign of increased ICP. As pressure within the skull increases, it can lead to compression of the brain tissue and disruption of cerebral blood flow. This can manifest as changes in alertness, drowsiness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness1. when monitoring a client who has sustained a TBI, the nurse should be vigilant for signs of increased ICP, with a decreased level of consciousness being a primary indicator. Other signs may include headache, nausea, vomiting, and changes in pupil size or reactivity. It is crucial to identify and treat increased ICP promptly to prevent further brain injury and potential long-term consequences.

Choice D: Bilateral weakness of extremities While bilateral weakness can be a sign of neurological damage, it is not specific to increased ICP. Increased ICP is more likely to cause global effects on consciousness and brain function rather than isolated weakness in limbs unless there is focal brain injury causing raised ICP.