Which two parameters should be checked every 4 hours for someone on TPN?

Which two parameters should be checked every 4 hours for someone on TPN?

• A. Vital signs and blood glucose
• B. Weight and height
• C. Hematocrit and hemoglobin
• D. Liver enzymes and bilirubin

Answer: (A)

Monitoring metabolic stability and immediate physiologic status is what this item is focusing on. When someone is on TPN, checking vital signs and blood glucose every four hours is essential because the infusion delivers a continuous, high glucose load. Vital signs give early warning of infection, fluid shifts, or instability related to the IV line or the TPN itself, while frequent glucose checks allow quick adjustments to the TPN rate or insulin therapy to prevent dangerous hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Weight and height reflect long-term nutritional status, not rapid changes. Hematocrit and hemoglobin indicate anemia or blood loss, not acute shifts with TPN. Liver enzymes and bilirubin show liver function over longer periods, not something that changes markedly within hours. So checking vital signs and blood glucose every four hours best captures the immediate risks and ensures safe TPN administration.

Monitoring metabolic stability and immediate physiologic status is what this item is focusing on. When someone is on TPN, checking vital signs and blood glucose every four hours is essential because the infusion delivers a continuous, high glucose load. Vital signs give early warning of infection, fluid shifts, or instability related to the IV line or the TPN itself, while frequent glucose checks allow quick adjustments to the TPN rate or insulin therapy to prevent dangerous hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Weight and height reflect long-term nutritional status, not rapid changes. Hematocrit and hemoglobin indicate anemia or blood loss, not acute shifts with TPN. Liver enzymes and bilirubin show liver function over longer periods, not something that changes markedly within hours. So checking vital signs and blood glucose every four hours best captures the immediate risks and ensures safe TPN administration.