According to ASPEN PN Safety Consensus, the best method to express the dextrose content on the PN label?

• A. Grams per 24 hour nutrient infusion (eg 225 g/day)
• B. Volume of the percent original concentration added (500 mL of 50% dextrose)
• C. Grams per liter (250 g/L)
• D. Percent of final concentration after admixture (35% dextrose)

Answer: (A)

Expressing dextrose content as grams per 24-hour infusion communicates the actual carbohydrate load the patient receives in a day. ASPEN PN Safety Consensus uses this format because it directly reflects daily energy provision and glucose management, independent of bag size, infusion rate, or dilution. This makes it easier to meet prescribed goals and avoid under- or overfeeding. Other formats—volume of a given concentration, grams per liter, or the final percent concentration—depend on flow rate or formulation details and don’t reliably convey how much dextrose will be delivered in a 24-hour period, which can mislead for daily dosing and safety.