The patient is having at least 75% of his nutritional needs met by enteral feeding,so the physician has ordered the PN to be discontinued.However,the nurse notices that the PN infusion has fallen behind.The nurse should
A) Increase the rate to get the volume caught up before discontinuing.
B) Stop the infusion and hang a normal saline drip in place.
C) Taper the PN infusion gradually.
D) Hang 5% dextrose if the PN runs out.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sudden discontinuation of PN can cause hypoglycemia.PN must be tapered off.Usually,10% dextrose is infused when PN solution is suddenly discontinued.The same is true if the PN runs out.Too rapid administration of hypertonic dextrose (PN)can result in an osmotic diuresis and dehydration.If an infusion falls behind schedule,the nurse should not increase the rate in an attempt to catch up.

The Patient Is Having at Least 75% of His Nutritional