Final answer:
Elevated blood glucose levels in a client on continuous total parenteral nutrition should be reported to the provider, as it may indicate hyperglycemia, a potential complication of TPN.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse reviewing the laboratory results of a client receiving continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) should report elevated blood glucose levels to the provider. When blood glucose levels are above normal, typically after a meal, the pancreas secretes insulin to lower the glucose by increasing its uptake into muscles and fatty tissues. However, with TPN, there is a risk of hyperglycemia due to constant high glucose delivery, which can overwhelm the body's insulin production or lead to insulin resistance. Thus, elevated blood glucose levels are concerning and should be reported.
On the other hand, normal liver function tests, increased hemoglobin levels, and decreased serum triglyceride levels are less likely to demand immediate attention in the context of TPN, unless they represent a significant change from the patient's baseline values or are associated with clinical symptoms.