What is a common complication of TPN that nurses need to educate their clients about?

A common complication of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) that clients should be educated about is infection. When administering TPN, the nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream via a central venous catheter or a peripheral line. This involves an invasive procedure that can introduce pathogens directly into the vascular system, which increases the risk of infections, particularly catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Educating clients about the signs and symptoms of infection, proper catheter care, and the importance of maintaining a sterile environment is essential to minimize this risk. Nurses can empower patients to recognize potential complications early, which is crucial in managing their health while receiving TPN.

In the context of the other choices, while constipation, dehydration, and nausea can occur in patients receiving TPN, they are not as immediate or severe complications directly associated with the administration technique compared to the risk of infection.