Which of the following complications should be monitored for in patients receiving parenteral nutrition?

Which of the following complications should be monitored for in patients receiving parenteral nutrition?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Hypothermia
• D. Anemia

Answer: (B)

Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial in patients receiving parenteral nutrition due to the high carbohydrate content often present in the nutritional solutions. Parenteral nutrition delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, especially in patients with pre-existing insulin resistance or diabetes. The rapid delivery of glucose can exceed the body's ability to utilize or store it, resulting in hyperglycemia. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels allows for timely intervention, such as adjusting the insulin regimen or modifying the nutrient composition. In contrast, while dehydration, hypothermia, and anemia are important considerations in patient care, they are not directly correlated with the administration of parenteral nutrition in the same way that hyperglycemia is. Dehydration may occur from other causes, hypothermia is often associated with environmental factors or specific medical conditions rather than nutritional delivery, and anemia is typically related to issues such as iron deficiency or chronic disease rather than the immediate effects of parenteral nutrition itself. Thus, hyperglycemia remains a primary concern that requires vigilance in patients undergoing this form of nutrition support.

Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial in patients receiving parenteral nutrition due to the high carbohydrate content often present in the nutritional solutions. Parenteral nutrition delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, especially in patients with pre-existing insulin resistance or diabetes. The rapid delivery of glucose can exceed the body's ability to utilize or store it, resulting in hyperglycemia. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels allows for timely intervention, such as adjusting the insulin regimen or modifying the nutrient composition.

In contrast, while dehydration, hypothermia, and anemia are important considerations in patient care, they are not directly correlated with the administration of parenteral nutrition in the same way that hyperglycemia is. Dehydration may occur from other causes, hypothermia is often associated with environmental factors or specific medical conditions rather than nutritional delivery, and anemia is typically related to issues such as iron deficiency or chronic disease rather than the immediate effects of parenteral nutrition itself. Thus, hyperglycemia remains a primary concern that requires vigilance in patients undergoing this form of nutrition support.