Question

The patient receiving TPN therapy is at risk for complications from the infusion. What complications should the nurse anticipate? What signs/symptoms will help the nurse to identify the development of a complication? What are the nursing actions will be implemented if a complication develops?

Answer 1

TPN therapy complications

Although the complications is very uncommon but the possible complications are

1) Infection from catheter , catheter related sepsis.

2)Dehydration and electrolytes imbalances

3) Thrombosis

4) Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia

5) hunger pangs and gastric atrophy

6) Liver failure rare but can happen if infusion prolonged for years.

7) vitamins deficiency

8 ) minerals deficiency

Sign/ symptoms of complications

Pallor, rubor , calor ,dalor and swelling are marked sign of infection nurse need to for that also check for fever.

Dry tongue and delusion may be suggestive of dehydration and electrolytes I'm balance. Look for urine output and color of urine .

Muscular pain may be suggestive of Thrombosis

Increased frequencies of urine is suggestive of hyperglycemia.

Abdominal pain suggestive of hunger pangs.

Hepatomegaly and tenderness in right hypochondrium is suggestive of liver disease and cholecystitis.

Nursing actions are

Check for aseptic catheter . Check for vitals . Immediately stops or slow down infusion.

Report immediately to the concerned doctor.

Symptomatic treatment can be intiated for minor complications . Like infection.

Console the patient about hunger pangs .can give insulin for hyperglycemia and dextrose for hypoglycemia.

Note the pain of right hypochondrium and palpate the area give analgesic if pain is persistent.

Explain the concerned doctor about the ditsituat and follow her,/ his introduction .