Which signs should a nurse monitor for when a client is receiving a fat emulsion piggybacked to parenteral nutrition?

When a client is receiving a fat emulsion as part of parenteral nutrition, it’s essential for the nurse to monitor for signs that indicate possible adverse reactions to the infusion. The correct answer highlights symptoms such as headache, chest and back pain, nausea, and chills, which are indicative of a potential reaction to the fat emulsion or an infusion-related complication.

These particular signs suggest that the patient may be experiencing a hypersensitivity reaction or an infusion-related reaction known as "fat overload syndrome." This syndrome can manifest with a range of symptoms, including the aforementioned headache, pain in the chest and back, nausea, and chills. Close monitoring for these symptoms ensures that any adverse effects can be identified and addressed promptly to minimize complications.

In contrast, monitoring for fever and chills, while significant in general, may not specifically relate to the administration of fat emulsion in intravenous therapy. Drowsiness and lethargy might indicate other underlying issues that are not directly associated with the fat emulsion itself. Lastly, swelling and redness at the infusion site could indicate a local reaction or phlebitis, but they do not directly relate to the systemic effects of the fat emulsion infusion, making them less critical for monitoring in this specific context.