A nurse is caring for a client who has a major burn injury and is receiving total parenteral nutrition. Which of the following laboratory tests is the priority for the nurse to use to confirm the client is receiving adequate nutrition?

Choice A reason: TPN is a form of nutrition that is delivered directly into the bloodstream through a central venous catheter. It is used for clients who have impaired or nonfunctional gastrointestinal tracts, such as those with acute kidney injury, bowel obstruction, or short bowel syndrome.

Choice B reason: The TPN does not necessarily have higher levels of vitamins than the recommended daily intake. The TPN is individually tailored to meet the client's nutritional needs, which may vary depending on their condition, weight, and laboratory values.

Choice C reason: The TPN does not ensure that the client's glucose level stays within the expected range. In fact, TPN can cause hyperglycemia due to the high concentration of dextrose in the solution. The client's blood glucose level should be monitored frequently and insulin should be administered as prescribed to prevent complications.

Choice D reason: The TPN is not higher in fats and protein, but lower in carbohydrates. The TPN contains a balanced mixture of macronutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, as well as micronutrients, such as electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. The ratio of these components may vary depending on the client's nutritional needs and goals.

Choice A reason: Increasing the caloric intake before pregnancy is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can lead to excessive weight gain and obesity, which can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other complications. The nurse should advise the client to maintain a healthy weight and a balanced diet before and during pregnancy.

Choice B reason: Increasing the total intake of seafood to 20 ounces per week is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can expose the client to high levels of mercury, which can harm the developing fetus. The nurse should advise the client to limit the intake of seafood to 8 to 12 ounces per week, and avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.

Choice C reason: Decreasing ascorbic acid in the diet is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can impair the immune system and the absorption of iron, which are both important for the health of the mother and the fetus. The nurse should advise the client to consume adequate amounts of ascorbic acid, which is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and other foods.

Choice D reason: Increasing folic acid to 400 micrograms per day prior to getting pregnant is an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, in the fetus. The nurse should advise the client to take a daily prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid, and eat foods that are rich in folate, such as leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals.