A parenteral nutrition (PN) patient receiving 45 kcals/kg may experience which of the following complications?

The answer to the question identifies a potential complication of parenteral nutrition that a patient receiving 45 kcal/kg may experience. While hypokalemia could be associated with the administration of parenteral nutrition, hyperglycemia is actually a more common concern in this context, especially at higher calorie levels.

When patients receive parenteral nutrition, they are often receiving not just the calories but also concentrated solutions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. If the caloric intake exceeds the patient's metabolic demands or if there are inadequate insulin levels to manage the carbohydrate load, hyperglycemia can occur. This is due to the infusion of high amounts of dextrose, and as the body's insulin response may not keep pace with the carbohydrate intake, blood sugar levels can rise significantly.

Furthermore, in the setting of parenteral nutrition, particularly with a high caloric intake, monitoring and managing blood glucose levels is crucial to prevent complications not just related to the immediate administration, but also long-term effects such as stress on the pancreas or increased risk of infections.

Therefore, while hypokalemia is a potential complication, particularly if potassium is not adequately supplied through the PN solution or if there are losses due to certain medical conditions, hyperglycemia remains the most relevant