What is Parenteral Nutrition

Parenteral nutrition is a way for you to get nutrition through an IV tube (catheter) that is attached to a pump. You may get some nutrition (partial parenteral nutrition) or all nutrition (total parenteral nutrition) this way.

The catheter is attached to a vein in your chest, neck, or leg. The nutrition solution contains protein, carbohydrates, fats, sugars, vitamins, and minerals. The nutrients go directly into your blood.

You may need parenteral nutrition if you cannot eat or absorb nutrients normally. This may happen because of a swallowing or digestive tract disorder. Or, it may be needed if you have a gastrointestinal condition that requires complete bowel rest. Parenteral nutrition may be temporary or long-term.

Risks and complications

Generally, this is a safe way to receive nutrition. However, problems may occur, including:

• Infection.
• High or low blood sugar.
• High cholesterol.
• Allergic reactions.
• An imbalance between minerals and electrolytes.
• Liver problems.
• Bone disease.

How to give parenteral nutrition

There are many types of pumps and home infusion devices. Work with your health care providers to find what will work best for you. Follow the instructions on the device.

Preparing your supplies

• Remove the solution from the refrigerator. Let the solution get to room temperature for 2-4 hours before you use it. Check the expiration date. Do not use the solution if it is cloudy or discolored or it contains floating parts.
• Wash and dry your hands before you set out the supplies.
• Place your supplies on a sterile surface. These include:
  • Alcohol wipes.
  • Syringes.
  • Nutrient bag.
  • Nutrient administration set.
• Add medicines or vitamins to the bag only as told by your health care provider.
• Before you fill the syringe with the medicine or vitamins, use alcohol wipes to clean the medicine port and the medicine vial.
• Gently shake the bag to mix. The solution may turn yellow.

Starting the infusion

• Insert the administration tube into the main port of the bag.
• Open the port and fill the tubing. Close the clamp.
• Thread the tubing through the pump.
• Use an alcohol wipe to clean your catheter port.
• Flush your catheter with a saline solution.
• Attach the bag to your catheter.
• To start IV feeding, open the clamps on your catheter and bag tubing.

Ending the infusion

• An alarm may sound when the bag is empty.
• Disconnect the bag tubing from your catheter.
• Flush your catheter with a saline solution.
• Close the clamp.
• Put needles and syringes in a disposal container that is meant for sharp items (sharps).
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to care for your catheter.
• Change your bandage (dressing) as told by your health care provider.
• Secure the tubing to your body as told by your health care provider.
• Keep a record of your feeding times and amounts, weight, height, urine output, blood sugar, or other factors as told by your health care provider.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have:
  • New or worsening symptoms.
  • A fever or chills.
  • Pain around the catheter site.
  • Blood or fluid leaking from the catheter tubing.
  • Trouble giving an infusion.
• You cannot flush out the catheter.
• Your catheter gets damaged.
• You lose weight.

Get help right away if:

• You have shortness of breath.