TPN Management Exam question
and correct answers (verified answers 100%)
Q&A 2026/2027 INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which
assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood glucose of 145 mg/dL
B. Weight gain of 1 kg in one week
C. Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain
D. Mild nausea after infusion begins
Correct Answer: C. Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain
Rationale: Sudden respiratory symptoms in a patient receiving TPN may indicate
an air embolism, catheter complication, or fluid overload requiring immediate
assessment and intervention.
2. Which type of catheter is most commonly used for long-term TPN
administration?
A. Peripheral IV catheter
B. Central venous catheter
C. Intramuscular catheter
D. Arterial catheter
Correct Answer: B. Central venous catheter
Rationale: TPN solutions are highly concentrated and require central venous
access to prevent vein irritation and thrombosis.
,3. A nurse should monitor which laboratory value most closely in a patient
receiving TPN?
A. Hemoglobin only
B. Blood glucose level
C. Platelet count only
D. Serum calcium only
Correct Answer: B. Blood glucose level
Rationale: Hyperglycemia is a common complication of TPN because of the high
glucose concentration in the solution.
4. Which action is essential before initiating a TPN infusion?
A. Warm the solution in a microwave
B. Verify placement of the central line
C. Shake the solution vigorously
D. Add medications without checking compatibility
Correct Answer: B. Verify placement of the central line
Rationale: Correct catheter placement must be confirmed before infusion to
prevent life-threatening complications such as extravasation.
5. A patient receiving TPN suddenly develops fever and chills. What should the
nurse suspect first?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Infection related to the catheter
C. Fluid restriction
D. Vitamin deficiency
Correct Answer: B. Infection related to the catheter
,Rationale: Fever and chills in a patient with central access may indicate a catheter-
related bloodstream infection.
6. What is the primary purpose of TPN therapy?
A. Provide hydration only
B. Replace oral medications
C. Provide complete nutritional support when the GI tract cannot be used
D. Reduce blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: C. Provide complete nutritional support when the GI tract
cannot be used
Rationale: TPN supplies carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and
fluids for patients unable to tolerate enteral nutrition.
7. Which component provides the primary energy source in TPN?
A. Amino acids
B. Lipids
C. Dextrose
D. Electrolytes
Correct Answer: C. Dextrose
Rationale: Dextrose is the main caloric source in TPN solutions and must be
carefully monitored to prevent hyperglycemia.
8. A nurse should use which technique when changing the dressing of a central
line used for TPN?
A. Clean technique
B. Sterile technique
, C. No gloves required
D. Routine hand washing only
Correct Answer: B. Sterile technique
Rationale: Strict sterile technique reduces the risk of catheter-related bloodstream
infections.
9. A patient receiving TPN has a blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL. Which action
is appropriate?
A. Stop TPN permanently
B. Notify the provider and anticipate insulin therapy
C. Increase the infusion rate
D. Give oral glucose
Correct Answer: B. Notify the provider and anticipate insulin therapy
Rationale: Hyperglycemia during TPN often requires insulin adjustment while
maintaining nutritional support.
10. Which finding suggests a patient receiving TPN may have developed fluid
overload?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Decreased urine output and edema
C. Weight loss
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B. Decreased urine output and edema
Rationale: Excess fluid administration from TPN can cause edema, weight gain,
and decreased renal function.
11. Why should TPN tubing be dedicated only to the TPN solution?
and correct answers (verified answers 100%)
Q&A 2026/2027 INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which
assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Blood glucose of 145 mg/dL
B. Weight gain of 1 kg in one week
C. Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain
D. Mild nausea after infusion begins
Correct Answer: C. Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain
Rationale: Sudden respiratory symptoms in a patient receiving TPN may indicate
an air embolism, catheter complication, or fluid overload requiring immediate
assessment and intervention.
2. Which type of catheter is most commonly used for long-term TPN
administration?
A. Peripheral IV catheter
B. Central venous catheter
C. Intramuscular catheter
D. Arterial catheter
Correct Answer: B. Central venous catheter
Rationale: TPN solutions are highly concentrated and require central venous
access to prevent vein irritation and thrombosis.
,3. A nurse should monitor which laboratory value most closely in a patient
receiving TPN?
A. Hemoglobin only
B. Blood glucose level
C. Platelet count only
D. Serum calcium only
Correct Answer: B. Blood glucose level
Rationale: Hyperglycemia is a common complication of TPN because of the high
glucose concentration in the solution.
4. Which action is essential before initiating a TPN infusion?
A. Warm the solution in a microwave
B. Verify placement of the central line
C. Shake the solution vigorously
D. Add medications without checking compatibility
Correct Answer: B. Verify placement of the central line
Rationale: Correct catheter placement must be confirmed before infusion to
prevent life-threatening complications such as extravasation.
5. A patient receiving TPN suddenly develops fever and chills. What should the
nurse suspect first?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Infection related to the catheter
C. Fluid restriction
D. Vitamin deficiency
Correct Answer: B. Infection related to the catheter
,Rationale: Fever and chills in a patient with central access may indicate a catheter-
related bloodstream infection.
6. What is the primary purpose of TPN therapy?
A. Provide hydration only
B. Replace oral medications
C. Provide complete nutritional support when the GI tract cannot be used
D. Reduce blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: C. Provide complete nutritional support when the GI tract
cannot be used
Rationale: TPN supplies carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and
fluids for patients unable to tolerate enteral nutrition.
7. Which component provides the primary energy source in TPN?
A. Amino acids
B. Lipids
C. Dextrose
D. Electrolytes
Correct Answer: C. Dextrose
Rationale: Dextrose is the main caloric source in TPN solutions and must be
carefully monitored to prevent hyperglycemia.
8. A nurse should use which technique when changing the dressing of a central
line used for TPN?
A. Clean technique
B. Sterile technique
, C. No gloves required
D. Routine hand washing only
Correct Answer: B. Sterile technique
Rationale: Strict sterile technique reduces the risk of catheter-related bloodstream
infections.
9. A patient receiving TPN has a blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL. Which action
is appropriate?
A. Stop TPN permanently
B. Notify the provider and anticipate insulin therapy
C. Increase the infusion rate
D. Give oral glucose
Correct Answer: B. Notify the provider and anticipate insulin therapy
Rationale: Hyperglycemia during TPN often requires insulin adjustment while
maintaining nutritional support.
10. Which finding suggests a patient receiving TPN may have developed fluid
overload?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Decreased urine output and edema
C. Weight loss
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B. Decreased urine output and edema
Rationale: Excess fluid administration from TPN can cause edema, weight gain,
and decreased renal function.
11. Why should TPN tubing be dedicated only to the TPN solution?
