Which is the most common complication associated with PN administration?

Which is the most common complication associated with PN administration?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypophosphatemia
• C. Sepsis
• D. Renal dysfunction

Answer: (A)

When giving parenteral nutrition, the most common issue is hyperglycemia. This happens because PN provides a large, continuous dextrose load, and many patients—especially those who are critically ill or stressed—have some degree of insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance. The result is elevated blood glucose levels more often than other PN-related problems. Key management ideas: monitor blood glucose closely (often every 6 hours when PN is started), tailor the dextrose concentration and overall PN rate to maintain glucose in the target range, and add insulin if needed to control hyperglycemia. While electrolyte disturbances (like low phosphate) or other complications (such as infections or organ dysfunction) can occur with PN, hyperglycemia is the most frequent PN-specific complication.

When giving parenteral nutrition, the most common issue is hyperglycemia. This happens because PN provides a large, continuous dextrose load, and many patients—especially those who are critically ill or stressed—have some degree of insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance. The result is elevated blood glucose levels more often than other PN-related problems.

Key management ideas: monitor blood glucose closely (often every 6 hours when PN is started), tailor the dextrose concentration and overall PN rate to maintain glucose in the target range, and add insulin if needed to control hyperglycemia. While electrolyte disturbances (like low phosphate) or other complications (such as infections or organ dysfunction) can occur with PN, hyperglycemia is the most frequent PN-specific complication.