What is a plausible complication of parenteral nutritional support?

Parenteral nutritional support, which is the process of delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream, primarily through an intravenous (IV) route, can lead to various complications. Among these, a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed is a plausible complication. This can occur due to several factors, including the underlying conditions of the patient that necessitate parenteral nutrition, as well as potential irritation to the gut if there is a sudden re-initiation of enteral feeding after a period of parenteral nutrition.

It's worth noting that while parenteral nutrition itself does not directly cause a GI bleed, it is often used in patients with significant gastrointestinal compromise. Thus, the underlying pathology or sudden changes in nutrition can trigger or exacerbate a bleeding condition in the GI tract when normal feeding resumes. This potential for complications, especially in a vulnerable patient population, highlights the importance of careful monitoring and management when initiating parenteral nutrition.

Other options listed, such as hypernatremia, pneumothorax, and HHNK (Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic State), while they can occur in the setting of parenteral nutrition, are either not as directly associated or the risks are more context-specific and may stem from improper management or underlying metabolic conditions