How should the practical nurse best evaluate Mr. Ford's tolerance of the TPN?

How should the practical nurse best evaluate Mr. Ford's tolerance of the TPN?

• A. Laboratory values
• B. Daily weights
• C. Positive balance for intake and output
• D. Improved healing of his burns

Answer: (A)

Evaluating tolerance to TPN means looking at how the body is handling the nutrients delivered directly into the bloodstream. TPN can affect glucose control, electrolyte balance, liver function, and lipid levels, so the most informative way to monitor is through laboratory tests. Regular labs reveal whether glucose is staying within target ranges, electrolytes like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium are staying balanced, liver enzymes and bilirubin aren’t rising due to lipid infusions or hepatic stress, and triglyceride levels remain within safe limits. These objective data guide adjustments to the TPN formula and rate to prevent complications. Daily weights and intake/output track fluid status, but they don’t specifically show how well the metabolic processes are tolerating the IV nutrients. Healing of burns is influenced by many factors and isn’t a direct or timely measure of TPN tolerance.

Evaluating tolerance to TPN means looking at how the body is handling the nutrients delivered directly into the bloodstream. TPN can affect glucose control, electrolyte balance, liver function, and lipid levels, so the most informative way to monitor is through laboratory tests. Regular labs reveal whether glucose is staying within target ranges, electrolytes like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium are staying balanced, liver enzymes and bilirubin aren’t rising due to lipid infusions or hepatic stress, and triglyceride levels remain within safe limits. These objective data guide adjustments to the TPN formula and rate to prevent complications.

Daily weights and intake/output track fluid status, but they don’t specifically show how well the metabolic processes are tolerating the IV nutrients. Healing of burns is influenced by many factors and isn’t a direct or timely measure of TPN tolerance.