A critical care nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. The nurse knows this client should be started on parenteral nutrition (PN) after what indications?
5% deficit in body weight compared to pre-illness weight and increased caloric need.
Significant risk of aspiration coupled with decreased level of consciousness.
Calorie deficit and muscle wasting combined with low electrolyte levels.
Inability to take in adequate oral food or fluids within 7 days.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
A 5% deficit in body weight and increased caloric need alone do not warrant the initiation of parenteral nutrition (PN). PN is typically reserved for situations where oral or enteral feeding is not feasible or safe.
Choice B rationale
Significant risk of aspiration and decreased level of consciousness may necessitate alternative feeding methods, such as enteral feeding via a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube. PN is considered when enteral feeding is not possible.
Choice C rationale
Calorie deficit, muscle wasting, and low electrolyte levels indicate malnutrition, but PN is initiated when other feeding methods are inadequate or unsafe.
Choice D rationale
Inability to take in adequate oral food or fluids within 7 days is a clear indication for initiating PN. This ensures the patient receives essential nutrients and prevents further deterioration of their nutritional status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Furuncles, also known as boils, are deep folliculitis caused by bacterial infection, not sebum blockage.
Choice B rationale
Carbuncles are clusters of furuncles connected under the skin and are also caused by bacterial infection, not sebum blockage.
Choice C rationale
Comedones are primary lesions of acne caused by the blockage of hair follicles by sebum and keratin. They can be open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads).
Choice D rationale
Striae, also known as stretch marks, are caused by the tearing of the dermis due to rapid stretching of the skin and are not related to sebum blockage in hair follicles.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Deficient fluid volume is not the primary concern related to weight loss or ill-fitting dentures. While fluid intake should be monitored, it is less immediate than gastrointestinal issues from fiber deficiency.
Choice B rationale
Excessive intake of convenience foods might relate to weight loss but does not directly indicate a health risk. The primary risk is more focused on gastrointestinal function.
Choice C rationale
Constipation is a major risk due to limited fiber intake. Fiber is essential for bowel movement regularity, and its deficiency, coupled with ill-fitting dentures, increases the risk.
Choice D rationale
Infection is not directly related to the dietary concerns noted. While poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, it is not the most immediate health risk connected to the given symptoms. .
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