A patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) begins having cough and dyspnea. The nurse auscultates rales and notes neck vein engorgement and weight gain. The nurse suspects that the patient is experiencing which condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are characteristic of fluid overload, which can occur when a patient receives excessive amounts of fluids, including TPN. The engorged neck veins and weight gain suggest increased fluid volume, while the rales and dyspnea suggest pulmonary edema. Air embolism and pneumothorax typically present with different symptoms, while pneumonia may cause cough and dyspnea but is not likely to result in neck vein engorgement and weight gain.

A Patient Receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Begins Having Cough