A nurse is preparing to administer a lipid emulsion to a patient requiring total parenteral nutrition. Which of the following fatty acids is present in lipid emulsions?

Explanation

•Linoleic acid is an omega-6 essential fatty acid. A patient deficient in linoleic acid will be immunosuppressed and at risk for infection.

•Arachidonic acid, oleic acid, and elaidic acid are non-essential fatty acids and are not found in lipid emulsions.