ABSTRACT
The complications of parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy may be divided into three categories: septic, metabolic, and technical. Sepsis is a serious complication of PN and patients receiving this therapy are susceptible to infection for various reasons. If a fever develops during the administration of PN, a close examination for focal sources must be carried out. Vitamins should be added to the PN daily, since most vitamin stores are depleted in malnourished patients. The input of fat-soluble vitamins should be carefully controlled; excessive intake of vitamins A and D can cause toxic effects, especially hypercalcemia. Hyperglycemia will occur when the rate of infusion exceeds the rate at which the body can metabolize glucose. It may be caused by infusing the amino acid-dextrose mixture too rapidly, or by metabolic complications. Other complications that may be seen occasionally are catheter embolism, venous thrombosis, and suppurative thrombophlebitis. These can all be eliminated through good preventive nursing care and careful patient monitoring.
