A client is scheduled to receive total parenteral nutrition (TPN). To administer TPN, which piece of equipment is important for the nurse to obtain?

• A. Infusion pump
• B. Tall intravenous (IV) pole
• C. Clamp that will be taped at the bedside
• D. Infusion set that delivers 60 drops/mL

Answer: (A)

Managing total parenteral nutrition requires precise, controlled administration because the solution is hypertonic and rich in glucose, amino acids, and lipids. A programmable infusion pump delivers an exact flow rate in milliliters per hour and can be set to adjust as the patient’s needs change, while also providing alarms for occlusion, air in the line, or empty bags. This level of control reduces the risk of dangerous rapid changes in glucose levels or fluid balance that can happen with gravity drip systems or manual clamping. A tall IV pole or a simple clamp at the bedside does not offer the same precision or safety monitoring, and a 60 drops per milliliter drip set (a macrodrip) can lead to inconsistent delivery. For TPN, the infusion pump is the essential equipment to ensure safe, accurate administration.