If a TPN solution is running too slowly, can the infusion rate be increased by 20%?

The correct answer is that increasing the infusion rate of a TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) solution by 20% is not allowed due to safety concerns. TPN solutions are carefully formulated to meet a patient's nutritional needs and are infused at a specific rate that is determined by the patient's metabolic status, tolerance, and specific circumstances.

Increasing the rate suddenly can lead to complications such as hyperglycemia, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalances. The infusion rate should only be adjusted after a thorough assessment and, ideally, with healthcare provider authorization, and it should be done more conservatively to avoid these risks.

In scenarios where patients experience issues with their TPN administration, the protocol typically involves a gradual approach to modifications in the infusion rate or volume, rather than abrupt changes in order to safeguard the patient's health. This would explain why simply increasing the rate by a significant percentage, like 20%, is not advisable without proper evaluation and guidance.