Which of the following lists the risks/complications of TPN?

Which of the following lists the risks/complications of TPN?

• A. Infection, hyper/hypoglycemia, fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance
• B. Hypertension only
• C. Dehydration only
• D. Nausea only

Answer: (A)

TPN carries infectious, metabolic, and fluid/electrolyte risks because nutrients are infused through a central venous catheter and are delivered in concentrated solutions. The catheter access creates a significant risk of infection, including line sepsis, since the system provides a direct entry to the bloodstream. The high glucose load and amino acids can disrupt metabolic stability, leading to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia if the rate or caloric content isn’t carefully matched to the patient’s needs. Large fluid volumes and electrolyte-containing solutions raise the chance of fluid overload and electrolyte disturbances, which can affect heart function, blood pressure, and cellular processes. These issues are interconnected and require close monitoring of glucose, electrolytes, fluid status, and line integrity. Other options describe only a single issue and miss the broad, multifaceted risk profile of TPN.

TPN carries infectious, metabolic, and fluid/electrolyte risks because nutrients are infused through a central venous catheter and are delivered in concentrated solutions. The catheter access creates a significant risk of infection, including line sepsis, since the system provides a direct entry to the bloodstream. The high glucose load and amino acids can disrupt metabolic stability, leading to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia if the rate or caloric content isn’t carefully matched to the patient’s needs. Large fluid volumes and electrolyte-containing solutions raise the chance of fluid overload and electrolyte disturbances, which can affect heart function, blood pressure, and cellular processes. These issues are interconnected and require close monitoring of glucose, electrolytes, fluid status, and line integrity. Other options describe only a single issue and miss the broad, multifaceted risk profile of TPN.