The nurse is preparing to hang the client's next bag of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and observes fat globules rising to the top of the solution. What action should the nurse take?
Run the bag under warm water to melt the globules.
Call the pharmacy to get a new bag of TPN.
Do nothing, as fat globules are expected to rise to the top of the TPN solution.
Roll the bag of solution gently to redistribute the fat.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason
Running the bag under warm water to melt the globules is not recommended. Applying heat could compromise the sterility and integrity of the solution. TPN solutions are carefully balanced and sterile, and any manipulation involving temperature changes could lead to contamination or nutrient degradation.
Choice B Reason
Observing fat globules at the top of the TPN solution is a sign that the emulsion may be compromised. The nurse should not administer this TPN solution and should call the pharmacy for a replacement. TPN solutions should be homogenous with no visible separation or fat globules to ensure the patient receives the correct nutrition and to prevent complications.
Choice C Reason
Doing nothing is not an appropriate action. Fat globules indicate that the solution has separated, which can lead to an unstable emulsion and potential harm if infused. The nurse's responsibility is to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment, which includes verifying that TPN solutions are properly mixed.
Choice D Reason
Rolling the bag gently to redistribute the fat is not a safe practice. While gentle agitation can be used for some medications, it is not appropriate for TPN solutions with visible fat globules. This could further destabilize the emulsion and does not address the underlying issue of separation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Urine negative for ketones is a normal finding and does not typically indicate an acute problem. Ketones in the urine can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes or starvation, but their absence is expected in a well-nourished individual who is not in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Choice B Reason
Sodium at 135 mg/dL and Potassium at 3.5 mEq/L are within normal ranges. The normal range for serum sodium is approximately 135-145 mEq/L, and for serum potassium, it is around 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. These values do not indicate an immediate concern for the patient with urosepsis.
Choice C Reason
A BUN of 34 mg/dL and Creatinine of 4.2 mg/dL are concerning. The normal range for BUN is approximately 6-20 mg/dL, and for Creatinine, it is about 0.6-1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5-1.1 mg/dL for females. Elevated levels of BUN and Creatinine indicate impaired kidney function, which can be a complication of urosepsis and the nephrotoxic effects of gentamicin and vancomycin.
Choice D Reason
A white blood cell count of 12,000/mm³ is slightly elevated, which may be expected in a patient with an infection such as urosepsis. The normal range is approximately 4,500-11,000 WBCs/mm³. While this should be monitored, it does not require immediate reporting unless there is a significant change or it is outside the patient's baseline.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is essential for brain function and the metabolism of carbohydrates. In the context of high blood alcohol levels, thiamine is administered to prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy, a serious neurological disorder. This condition is often precipitated by a thiamine deficiency, which can be exacerbated by alcohol abuse. Alcohol consumption can impair thiamine absorption and utilization, leading to depleted stores. Wernicke's encephalopathy is characterized by symptoms such as confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia, and if left untreated, it can progress to Korsakoff syndrome, a chronic and debilitating condition.
Choice B Reason
While alcoholic hepatitis is a concern in individuals with excessive alcohol intake, thiamine is not specifically used to prevent this condition. Alcoholic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver due to alcohol abuse, and its prevention primarily involves abstinence from alcohol, nutritional support, and medical management of liver inflammation. Thiamine does not play a direct role in preventing liver inflammation but is crucial for overall nutritional replenishment in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Choice C Reason
Rehydration is indeed important for clients with high blood alcohol levels; however, thiamine does not serve this purpose. Rehydration typically involves the administration of intravenous fluids to restore fluid balance and electrolytes. Thiamine is not a rehydrating agent but is given to prevent neurological complications associated with thiamine deficiency, which can be seen in individuals with chronic alcoholism.
Choice D Reason
Preventing pancreatitis is not the primary reason for administering thiamine in this scenario. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can be associated with chronic alcohol abuse, but thiamine is not used as a preventative treatment for this condition. The management of pancreatitis involves addressing the underlying causes, supportive care, and sometimes hospitalization for more severe cases.
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