What is the first action a nurse should take when discovering an empty parenteral nutrition solution bag?

When a nurse discovers an empty parenteral nutrition solution bag, the immediate priority is to prevent the patient from experiencing potential complications related to the interruption of their nutrition. Hanging a solution of 10% dextrose in water serves as a crucial temporary measure to maintain the patient's blood glucose levels and provide a source of energy until a new bag of parenteral nutrition can be prepared and hung.

Parenteral nutrition is essential for patients who cannot receive adequate nutrition through oral or enteral routes, and abruptly stopping it can lead to various metabolic disturbances, including hypoglycemia. By administering a dextrose solution, the nurse ensures that the patient’s nutritional needs are met as swiftly as possible while also mitigating risks.

While notifying the pharmacy, assessing vital signs, and documenting the incident are important actions that follow this initial response, they do not address the immediate need for nutritional continuation. Therefore, administering 10% dextrose in water is the most appropriate first action in this scenario.