Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 74%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor? Which lab value should the nurse monitor for TPN?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Serum glucose. When a patient is receiving TPN, monitoring serum glucose levels is crucial as TPN solutions contain high concentrations of glucose. Elevated glucose levels can lead to hyperglycemia, which can result in complications such as osmotic diuresis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Monitoring glucose levels helps in adjusting TPN infusion rates to maintain a stable blood glucose level.
Incorrect answers:
B: Serum calcium - Calcium levels are not directly affected by TPN and are not typically monitored specifically for patients receiving TPN.
C: Serum magnesium - While magnesium levels may be affected by TPN, glucose monitoring is more critical due to the high glucose content in TPN.
D: Serum sodium - Sodium levels are not directly influenced by TPN and are not typically monitored specifically for patients receiving TPN.
Incorrect answers:
B: Serum calcium - Calcium levels are not directly affected by TPN and are not typically monitored specifically for patients receiving TPN.
C: Serum magnesium - While magnesium levels may be affected by TPN, glucose monitoring is more critical due to the high glucose content in TPN.
D: Serum sodium - Sodium levels are not directly influenced by TPN and are not typically monitored specifically for patients receiving TPN.