Fundamentals of Nursing Q 276
A nurse is preparing to hang a fat emulsion (lipids) and observes some visible fat globules at the top of the solution. The nurse ensures to do which of the following actions?
A. Take another bottle of solution.
B. Run the bottle solution under warm water.
C. Roll the bottle solution gently.
D. Shake the bottle solution vigorously.
Correct Answer: A. Take another bottle of solution.
Fat emulsions are used as dietary supplements for patients who are unable to get enough fat in their diet, usually because of certain illnesses or recent surgery. The nurse should examine the bottle of fat emulsion for separation of emulsion into layers or fat globules or the accumulation of froth. The nurse should not hang a fat emulsion if any of these are observed and should return the solution to the pharmacy.
Option B: Continuous fat infusion over 24 hours is the preferred method in neonates. For this reason, commercial lipid emulsions are repacked to a polypropylene syringe from original commercial bags and administered intravenously to neonates at neonates wards with a higher temperature. The higher temperature in neonatal wards could be an additional factor negatively affecting the stability of lipid emulsion.
Option C: Storage of lipid emulsion in plastic containers is controversial. It was shown that patients who received lipids delivered in plastic bags are more likely to have hypertriglyceridemia than those who received lipids from glass bottles. This is possible because of a higher proportion of large-diameter fat globules in plastic bags.
Option D: An increase in the droplet size is the first indication of formulation stability issues. Moreover, droplets greater than 5 ?m can be trapped in the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism may develop and is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality.