What is total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
Sometimes your digestive system isn't able to process foods. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) gives you liquid nutrition through a tube (catheter) inserted into a vein. These nutrients include protein, carbohydrate, and fats. The nutrients go directly into the blood. They don't go through the digestive tract.
You may need TPN if you:
- Have an injury to or had part of your intestines removed.
- Have a problem that makes it hard to eat and digest food. These problems include inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) or pancreatitis.
- Have had some medical treatments. TPN lets your intestines rest during healing.
You can have TPN for days, weeks, or as long as needed. When your body is able to digest food, your doctor will stop giving you TPN.
How is total parenteral nutrition (TPN) done?
You may get medicine to make you relax or sleep and to numb the area of your chest or neck where the TPN will go in.
Then the doctor makes a cut (incision) and places one end of a thin, flexible tube into a vein. You will have an X-ray to make sure that one end of the tube is at the right place in your body. The other end of the tube is outside your body, where the liquid TPN goes in. This is called the port.
TPN comes in pouches that are attached to a pump. The pump delivers the nutrients into the tube at a steady, controlled rate. The liquid goes into your body very slowly for 12 to 14 hours each day.
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN): When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the I.V.
- Red streaks leading from the area where the I.V. is put in.
- Pus draining from the I.V. area.
- A fever.
- The I.V. comes out.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your weight goes up or down more than 5 pounds in a week.
- You have any problems with your TPN.
How can you care for yourself when using total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
To care for your IV
- Follow your doctor's instructions for use and care of your IV. Your doctor, nurse, or other health professional will:
- Tell you what fluids to give through the IV.
- Show you how to care for the skin around the IV. Be sure to follow instructions on keeping the area clean.
- Teach you how to watch for infection or blockage of the IV.
To give TPN
- Follow your doctor's instructions for giving TPN. Do not change the dose or how often you get TPN without talking to your doctor first.
- Wash your hands before you handle the TPN solution and supplies, or the IV.
- Store the TPN solution in the refrigerator when you are not using it. Let the solution warm to room temperature before you use it. You can do this by placing the TPN bag on a clean table or kitchen counter for 2 to 3 hours before you use it. Never microwave the solution.
- Always check each bag of TPN before you use it. If there is a problem with your TPN, save the bag and show it to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Check the expiration date. Do not use it if it is past the expiration date.
- Check the bag for leaks. Do not use it if there are any leaks.
- Check the color of the TPN solution. Do not use the TPN if it is cloudy or has solid pieces floating in it.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on how to safely dispose of used IV needles, IV tubing, and TPN bags.
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