Which of the following is a potential complication of parenteral nutrition therapy?

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Central venous access used for parenteral nutrition carries a real risk of air entering the venous system. Air embolism can occur during catheter insertion, line changes, disconnections, or when air is not properly purged from the line. If air reaches the central circulation, it can obstruct pulmonary blood flow and cause sudden dyspnea, hypotension, chest pain, and even cardiovascular collapse if not addressed quickly. Prevention hinges on meticulous technique: removing all air from syringes and lines, keeping connections closed when not in use, de-aerating solutions, and promptly managing any suspected embolism with maneuvers to trap or remove the air (such as appropriate patient positioning and oxygen therapy, and, if possible, aspiration of air through the catheter).

Catheter sepsis is a significant risk with PN because the catheter provides a long-term entry point for microorganisms, but it tends to be a slower, infectious complication rather than an acute event. Hemothorax and arterial laceration are more directly tied to the access procedure itself and are immediate concerns during line placement, not ongoing PN therapy.