TPN is high-risk nutrition therapy and requires close monitoring for infection, glucose changes, fluid imbalance, electrolyte problems, and line complications.
Nurse Responsibilities
- Verify TPN order, solution label, rate, tubing, filter, expiration, and route.
- Use central line precautions per policy.
- Monitor blood glucose as ordered.
- Monitor for fever, chills, shortness of breath, edema, weight change, nausea, confusion, line infection, and catheter complications.
- Do not abruptly stop TPN unless directed by order/policy; follow facility protocol if interrupted.
- Document infusion, site assessment, blood glucose, resident tolerance, and provider notification.
Competency
TPN verification, pump setup, central line safety, blood glucose monitoring, complication response, and documentation.