What should you monitor when using TPN?

• A. Glucose
• B. Blood pressure only
• C. Oxygen saturation only
• D. Calcium levels only

Answer: (A)

TPN delivers a continuous, high dextrose load, so keeping blood glucose within a target range is the most immediate and critical monitoring focus. If glucose isn’t watched closely, hyperglycemia can develop, leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, infections, and poor wound healing; if the PN rate changes or is interrupted, there’s also a risk of rebound hypoglycemia. Therefore, glucose levels are checked frequently—often every 4 to 6 hours during initiation or rate adjustments, then per protocol as stability is achieved. While other parameters like electrolytes, liver function, or fluid status are important in PN care, glucose monitoring directly reflects the metabolic impact of the infusion and guides insulin dosing if used.