When assessing a client receiving TPN, which finding should the nurse recognize as a potential complication?

When assessing a client receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), hyperglycemia is recognized as a potential complication due to the high carbohydrate content commonly found in TPN solutions. The dextrose concentration is often quite high, providing a rapid source of glucose that can overwhelm the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, especially in patients who may have insulin resistance or those who are already diabetic.

Monitoring blood glucose levels in patients on TPN is essential, as unmanaged hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications such as metabolic derangements, osmotic diuresis, and increased risk of infection. This potential for hyperglycemia necessitates careful adjustment of the TPN solution, regular blood glucose monitoring, and may require the administration of insulin to manage blood glucose levels effectively.

While flatulence, vomiting, and hypoglycemia can also occur in patients receiving TPN, they are not as directly related to the infusion of high concentrations of glucose as hyperglycemia is, making hyperglycemia a more distinct and critical concern in this context.