If a client's TPN solution is not infusing, which condition should the nurse monitor for?

When a client's total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution is not infusing, it is essential to monitor for shakiness and diaphoresis. These symptoms can indicate hyperglycemia, which may occur if the TPN bag is not delivering the necessary carbohydrates, leading to rising blood glucose levels as the body tries to compensate for the lack of infused nutrients.

In individuals receiving TPN, a sudden interruption in infusion can cause an increased concentration of glucose the body is used to receiving. The nervous system can react to fluctuations in glucose levels, resulting in symptoms such as shakiness or tremors. Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, can also occur due to the body's stress response to changes in blood sugar levels, indicating that further assessment and intervention may be necessary to manage the client's condition effectively.

Monitoring for these symptoms is critical to ensure the patient's health and prevent complications arising from nutritional deficiencies or glucose imbalances.