A severely malnourished client has been admitted to a health care facility. The nurse is preparing to administer total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to the client. How is the TPN solution best administered by the nurse?

Question

A) It is administered in a vein distant from the heart through peripheral veins.
B) It is administered in a peripheral vein in a lower limb.
C) It is administered in a peripheral vein with its tip terminating in the superior vena cava.
D) It is administered in a peripheral vein with its tip terminating in the saphenous vein.

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
TPN solution should be administered through a catheter inserted into the subclavian or jugular vein; the tip terminates in the superior vena cava. Sometimes a peripherally inserted central catheter is used; this long catheter is inserted into a peripheral arm vein but its tip terminates in the superior vena cava as well. Total parenteral nutrition is a hypertonic solution of nutrients designed to meet almost all caloric and nutritional needs. It is preferred for clients who are severely malnourished or may not be able to consume food or liquids for a long period. A TPN solution is not infused in a peripheral vein with its tip terminating in the saphenous vein.