PARENTERAL NUTRITION

Parenteral nutrition is administered IV. Partial parenteral nutrition supplies only part of the patient's daily nutritional requirements, supplementing oral intake. Many hospitalized patients receive dextrose or amino acid solutions by this method as part of their routine care.

Total Parenteral Nutrition

TPN supplies all of the patient's daily nutritional requirements. A peripheral vein may be used for short periods, but longer periods of use with concentrated solutions can readily lead to thrombosis. Therefore, central venous access is usually required. TPN is used not only in the hospital for long-term administration but also at home (home TPN), enabling many persons who have lost small-bowel function to lead useful lives.