A nurse is caring for a client who follows a vegan diet. The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following deficiencies?

Choice A reason: Acute stress causes an increase in metabolism, as the body activates the sympathetic nervous system and releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption, and mobilize glucose and fatty acids for energy. The nurse should explain to the clients that acute stress can have beneficial effects, such as enhancing alertness, memory, and performance, but it can also have harmful effects, such as impairing digestion, immunity, and growth.

Choice B reason: Stress causes a negative nitrogen balance in the body, not a positive one. Nitrogen balance is the difference between the amount of nitrogen ingested and the amount of nitrogen excreted. A positive nitrogen balance means that the body is retaining more nitrogen than it is losing, which indicates growth, healing, or pregnancy. A negative nitrogen balance means that the body is losing more nitrogen than it is retaining, which indicates malnutrition, illness, or injury. The nurse should inform the clients that stress can cause a negative nitrogen balance, as the body breaks down protein for energy and loses nitrogen through urine, sweat, and wounds.

Choice C reason: Protein requirements increase in times of stress, not decrease. Protein is essential for tissue repair, immune function, and hormone synthesis. The nurse should advise the clients that stress can increase the protein needs of the body, as the body loses protein through catabolism, inflammation, and infection. The nurse should recommend the clients to consume adequate amounts of high-quality protein, such as eggs, milk, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, soy, and nuts.

Choice D reason: Glucose is broken down more quickly during times of stress, not more slowly. Glucose is the main source of energy for the brain and the muscles. The nurse should educate the clients that stress can increase the glucose levels in the blood, as the body releases glucose from the liver and muscles to provide fuel for the stress response. The nurse should also warn the clients that chronic stress can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Choice A reason: Dyspnea is a sign of pulmonary edema, which can occur as a complication of parenteral nutrition due to fluid overload or allergic reaction¹². The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status and oxygen saturation and report any signs of respiratory distress.

Choice B reason: Parenteral nutrition should not be infused by gravity, as this can cause fluctuations in the infusion rate and lead to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia¹³. The nurse should use an infusion pump to deliver parenteral nutrition at a constant and controlled rate.

Choice C reason: Parenteral nutrition solution should be administered within 30 min after removing from the refrigerator, as prolonged exposure to room temperature can increase the risk of bacterial contamination and infection¹⁴. The nurse should check the expiration date and inspect the solution for any discoloration, cloudiness, or particulate matter before administration.

Choice D reason: Parenteral nutrition bag and infusion tubing should be changed every 24 hr, not every 72 hr, to prevent the growth of microorganisms and reduce the risk of infection¹⁵. The nurse should use aseptic technique when changing the bag and tubing and follow the facility's protocol for dressing changes and catheter care.

Choice E reason: Parenteral nutrition should be started only after the central venous catheter position is confirmed by radiology, as incorrect placement can cause serious complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, or cardiac tamponade¹⁶. The nurse should obtain a chest x-ray and wait for the provider's confirmation before initiating parenteral nutrition.