A nurse on an intensive care unit is planning care for a client who has increased intracranial pressure following a head injury. Which of the following IV medications should the nurse plan to administer?

D. Capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds suggests impaired peripheral circulation, which could indicate vascular compromise or inadequate perfusion to the extremity. In a client with an external fixator, compromised circulation could lead to serious complications such as compartment syndrome or tissue necrosis.
A. This finding may be within the expected range for drainage following surgery, particularly if the client has undergone orthopedic surgery involving the placement of an external fixator. However, the nurse should continue to monitor the drainage and assess for any signs of increased bleeding or hematoma formation.
B. While a low-grade fever alone may not require immediate intervention, the nurse should assess the client further for other signs and symptoms of infection, such as increased pain, redness, warmth, or drainage at the surgical site.
C. While the client's pain level of 7 may require intervention to manage discomfort, it does not necessarily indicate an immediate threat to the client's safety or well-being.

B. Monitoring serum blood glucose during infusion is important because TPN can contain glucose, which may affect the client's blood glucose levels. Regular monitoring helps ensure glycemic control and prevents complications such as hyperglycemia.
C. Double-checking the TPN solution with another RN is a crucial safety measure to prevent medication errors and ensure that the correct solution is administered to the client.
E. Monitoring the client's weight daily is important for assessing fluid balance and adjusting the TPN infusion rate accordingly. Changes in weight can indicate fluid retention or loss, which may require adjustments to the TPN prescription.
A. TPN solutions must be administered according to the prescribed rate and schedule. Increasing the infusion rate without medical orders could lead to complications such as hyperglycemia or fluid overload.
D. TPN solutions are specifically formulated to meet the client's nutritional needs and cannot be substituted with other intravenous solutions like 0.9% sodium chloride.