Which of the following is a complication associated with catheter insertion during parenteral nutrition?

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When placing a central venous catheter for parenteral nutrition, the lung is at risk during needle or catheter entry, especially with subclavian or internal jugular access. A pneumothorax occurs when the pleural space is breached, letting air collect and potentially collapse part or all of the lung. This is a classic mechanical complication of catheter insertion and can present with sudden chest pain, dyspnea, or hypoxia. Immediate management includes confirming with imaging and providing oxygen, with chest tube placement if the pneumothorax is large or the patient deteriorates.

Air embolism can occur if air enters the catheter system, but pneumothorax more directly reflects lung injury from the insertion procedure. Catheter thrombosis tends to arise from long-term catheter presence and stasis rather than the insertion event. Hemothorax is possible but less common than pneumothorax in this context.