What intervention should a nurse perform for a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition who is displaying hypoglycemia?

What intervention should a nurse perform for a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition who is displaying hypoglycemia?

• A. Maintain constant infusion flow rate
• B. Discontinue TPN infusion immediately
• C. Check TPN for supplemental electrolyte levels
• D. Administer an IV bolus of 50% dextrose

Answer: (D)

When a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) shows signs of hypoglycemia, administering an IV bolus of 50% dextrose is the most appropriate intervention. This method quickly elevates blood glucose levels, providing a rapid correction for the hypoglycemic state. Since TPN solutions contain a high concentration of carbohydrates, sudden discontinuation of TPN can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, making it essential to provide an immediate source of glucose to stabilize the patient. Furthermore, maintaining a constant infusion flow rate is not effective in addressing acute hypoglycemia since the issue at hand is the immediate need to correct the low glucose levels. Discontinuing TPN infusion immediately could exacerbate hypoglycemia since it removes the carbohydrate source, leading to further drops in blood glucose. Checking the TPN for supplemental electrolyte levels does not directly target the immediate need for glucose correction.

When a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) shows signs of hypoglycemia, administering an IV bolus of 50% dextrose is the most appropriate intervention. This method quickly elevates blood glucose levels, providing a rapid correction for the hypoglycemic state. Since TPN solutions contain a high concentration of carbohydrates, sudden discontinuation of TPN can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, making it essential to provide an immediate source of glucose to stabilize the patient.

Furthermore, maintaining a constant infusion flow rate is not effective in addressing acute hypoglycemia since the issue at hand is the immediate need to correct the low glucose levels. Discontinuing TPN infusion immediately could exacerbate hypoglycemia since it removes the carbohydrate source, leading to further drops in blood glucose. Checking the TPN for supplemental electrolyte levels does not directly target the immediate need for glucose correction.