The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The patient reports nausea, headache, and thirst. The nurse will contact the provider to discuss which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of nausea, headache, and thirst may indicate hyperglycemia, which is a potential complication of TPN. Obtaining a serum glucose level will help determine if this is the case and appropriate interventions can be initiated. Giving acetaminophen for headache pain and ordering an antiemetic to prevent vomiting may be appropriate interventions, but only after addressing the underlying cause. Starting intravenous isotonic dextrose would exacerbate hyperglycemia if it is the cause of the symptoms.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Receiving