What is parenteral nutrition? Show
Parenteral nutrition, or intravenous feeding, is a method of getting nutrition into your body through your veins. Depending on which vein is used, this procedure is often referred to as either total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN). This form of nutrition is used to help people who can’t or shouldn’t get their core nutrients from food. It’s often used for people with:
It also can help people with conditions that result from low blood flow to their bowels. Parenteral nutrition delivers nutrients such as sugar, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, electrolytes, and trace elements to the body. These nutrients are vital in maintaining high energy, hydration, and strength levels. Some people only need to get certain types of nutrients intravenously. The most common side effects of parenteral nutrition are mouth sores, poor night vision, and skin changes. You should speak with your doctor if these conditions don’t go away. Other less common side effects include:
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these reactions. You need to speak with your healthcare provider about your exact nutritional needs. Your provider will prescribe the appropriate liquid for fulfilling these needs. You store this liquid in a refrigerator or freezer. Each dose must be removed from the fridge four to six hours before use. This allows enough time for the liquid to reach room temperature. Frozen packets should be moved to the refrigerator 24 hours before use to thaw.
Parenteral nutrition is administered from a bag containing the nutrients you need through tubing attached to a needle or catheter. With TPN, your healthcare provider places the catheter in a large vein, called the superior vena cava, that goes to your heart. Your healthcare provider may also place a port, such as a needleless access port, which makes intravenous feeding easier. For temporary nutritional needs, your doctor may suggest PPN. This type of intravenous feeding uses a regular peripheral intravenous line instead of a central line threaded into your superior vena cava. You’ll most likely complete intravenous feedings yourself at home. It usually takes 10 to 12 hours, and you’ll repeat this procedure five to seven times a week. Your healthcare provider will provide detailed instructions for this procedure. In general, you first need to check your nutrient bags for floating particles and discoloration. Then you insert tubing into the bag and attach the tubing to your intravenous catheter or port as designated by your healthcare provider. You need to leave the bag and tubing in place for most or all of the day. Afterward, you remove the nutrient bag and tubing. The most common risk of using parenteral nutrition is developing catheter infection. Other risks include:
It’s essential to maintain clean tubing, needleless access ports, catheters, and other equipment to minimize these risks. Many people experience some improvement in their condition after parenteral nutrition. You may not be rid of your symptoms, but your body may be able to heal more quickly. You’ll likely feel stronger and more energized. This can help you do more in spite of the effects of your condition. A physician or dietitian will reassess your nutritional needs after several weeks of this nutrition program to see if any adjustments need to be made in the dosage. You’ll likely have tests done to assess your individual needs. The results of parenteral nutrition are maintained health and energy levels in your body. You may need this treatment only temporarily. Or you may need to use it for the rest of your life. Your nutritional needs may change with time. Many chronic health problems require special dietary needs, like enteral or parenteral feeding. If your loved one is unable to swallow or digest food normally, these nutritional regimens may be necessary. But what’s the difference between enteral and parenteral feeding? And how can you ensure you’re providing the best possible care? To assist you on your journey, we’ve developed a comprehensive guide to enteral vs. parenteral feeding and nutrition. What’s the difference between enteral and parenteral feeding?The terms enteral and parenteral sound and look similar, but they’re two different things. Enteral feedingEnteral feeding refers to liquid nutrition processed by the gastrointestinal tract. Individuals who are prescribed enteral feeding consume their meals through a tube that connects to their stomach or small intestine. Sometimes, enteral feeding provides supplemental nutrition; other times, it accounts for a patient’s entire caloric intake. Parenteral feedingParenteral feeding refers to liquid nutrition processed by the veins. It’s considered riskier than enteral feeding, but often results in improved health and energy. Some people undergo parenteral feeding while recovering from surgery or other medical procedures, while others require it long-term. Why would someone need enteral vs. parenteral nutrition?There are several reasons someone might need enteral or parenteral nutrition: Enteral nutritionEnteral nutrition reduces the risk of malnourishment, or a lack of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. If your loved one isn’t able to eat enough calories throughout the day, they’re more likely to lose weight and experience serious health problems. Common conditions that may benefit from enteral feeding include:
See our enteral feeding formulas or speak with one of our friendly Customer Care Specialists by calling (855) 855-1666. Parenteral nutritionParenteral nutrition is like enteral nutrition in that it helps prevent malnourishment. However, it’s designed to assist individuals who have gastrointestinal issues that prevent them from properly digesting food. Common conditions that may benefit from parenteral nutrition include:
Parenteral feeding administers sugar, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and other nutrients through a needle and into a vein. These nutrients ensure your loved one receives the energy and hydration they need to thrive. What are the types of enteral vs parenteral feeding?Enteral and parenteral feeding fall into several sub-categories. Your loved one’s primary care physician makes a recommendation based on their age, current health, medical history, and nutritional needs. There are six main types of enteral feeding, including:
Shop our enteral feeding medical supplies or read our detailed guide on enteral feeding. As previously mentioned, parenteral feeding is designed for people with gastrointestinal or digestive issues. There are two main types of parenteral feeding, including:
Does enteral or parenteral nutrition present risks?Enteral and parenteral nutrition are considered safe and usually well-tolerated. Even so, it’s important to understand there are risks. Potential side effects of enteral nutrition include:
If your loved one only needs enteral nutrition for a short time, they might also experience gastrointestinal discomfort as they readjust to solid foods. Potential side effects of parenteral nutrition include:
To reduce the risk of these and other issues, it’s crucial to regularly clean and sterilize each feeding component, including tubes, catheters, and needleless access ports. If you have any questions about proper hygiene or sanitation, speak with your loved one’s primary care physician. What is the outlook for someone using enteral vs. parenteral feeding?Both enteral feeding and parenteral feeding require significant lifestyle changes. It’s normal to feel stressed out or overwhelmed, especially during the first few days or weeks. If you have questions or concerns at any point, contact your loved one’s doctor, nutritionist, or home health providers. They can correct any mistakes, provide key insights, and help you establish a feeding routine. After making the switch to enteral or parenteral nutrition, your loved one will experience enhanced energy and improved health. At each subsequent check-up, their doctor will run tests and reevaluate their nutritional needs, making adjustments to the treatment plan as necessary. Frequently Asked Questions – Enteral vs. Parenteral NutritionWhy is enteral feeding preferred over parenteral feeding?Medical providers typically recommend enteral feeding over parenteral feeding. That’s because it’s less costly, easier on the body, and presents fewer complications. In addition, enteral feeding allows for more efficient nutrient consumption and encourages the body’s natural healing process by stimulating intestinal blood flow. What is the difference between enteral and parenteral routes of administration?Enteral nutrition is administered through a feeding tube placed into the stomach or intestines. Parenteral nutrition is administered through a traditional intravenous (IV) line or via a central IV surgically placed during an outpatient procedure. Enteral and parenteral syringes look very similar, but the tip of the syringe differs. The enteral syringe has a longer, cone-like shape that narrows at the tip. A parenteral syringe is short and has a small, round tip that twists onto the end of the IV. Why is enteral a better choice over parenteral nutrition?Enteral nutrition isn’t necessarily better than parenteral nutrition, but it is less invasive and sends nutrients directly to the gastrointestinal tract. For people recovering from an illness or injury, it presents a safe and effective way to maintain energy and promote healing. What’s more, feeding tubes are easier to clean and sterilize than IVs, catheters, or ports. What is the difference between TPN and PPN?Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is prescribed to people with damaged or poorly functioning digestive systems. Before your loved one can receive TPN, a surgeon places a vascular access device, like a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), into their superior vena cava. Peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) is less invasive. It’s recommended for people who have temporary nutritional needs. With PPN, nutrition is administered via a traditional IV, through a needle, and into a vein. Who needs total parenteral nutrition?TPN can be administered in the hospital or at home and is most often used for patients with Crohn's disease, cancer, short bowel syndrome or ischemic bowel disease. However, critically ill patients who cannot receive nutrition orally for more than four days are also candidates for TPN.
Which is a common reason a patient is receiving total parenteral nutrition quizlet?Why would you get TPN? -Indicated to maintain nutritional status and prevent malnutrition when the client has inadequate intestinal function or can not be fed orally or by enteral feedings. You just studied 35 terms!
Why would a patient need parenteral nutrition?People whose digestive systems either can't absorb or can't tolerate adequate food eaten by mouth use parenteral nutrition. When used outside the hospital, intravenous feeding is called home parenteral nutrition. Using home parenteral nutrition may be necessary for weeks or months, or in some cases for life.
Which patients would be candidates for receiving parenteral nutrition?8.8 Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Patients with paralyzed or nonfunctional GI tract, or conditions that require bowel rest, such as small bowel obstruction, ulcerative colitis, or pancreatitis.. Patients who have had nothing by mouth (NPO) for seven days or longer.. Critically ill patients.. |