Parenteral Nutrition (PN) is a method of providing complete nutritional support directly into the bloodstream for patients whose gastrointestinal systems cannot be used adequately. If you are about to begin PN, here is an overview of the treatment process, from preparation to transition.
1. Preparation: Designing Your Custom Nutrition Formula
Your medical team—including physicians, specialized nurses, clinical dietitians, and pharmacists—will collaborate to create an individualized nutrition prescription. This is based on a comprehensive review of your medical history, body composition, and laboratory findings. The prepared formula is dispensed in daily units, stored under refrigeration for up to one week, and should be brought to room temperature several hours before infusion.
2. IV Access: Placing the Central Catheter
Establishing secure venous access involves a minor sterile procedure. After administering local anesthesia and cleansing the skin, your clinician will insert a thin catheter into a central vein, often using ultrasound guidance for accuracy. An X-ray may follow to verify optimal placement.
Three primary catheter types are used:
Tunneled External Catheter: The catheter travels under the skin before exiting the body at a separate site, where it is secured with sutures for several weeks.
Fully Implanted Port: The entire device sits beneath the skin. Access requires puncturing the port through the skin with a special non-coring needle.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC): Inserted into a vein in the upper arm and advanced toward the heart. Ideal for shorter-term therapy (typically under six weeks).
3. Administration: Delivering the Nutrition
For external catheters, the visible end is connected to tubing from the PN bag. For implanted ports, a needle is inserted into the port to connect the infusion set. A full daily infusion typically runs over 10–12 hours, often conveniently administered overnight during sleep.
PN can be safely administered in hospitals, clinics, or at home. Maintaining strict aseptic technique is critical to prevent infection. Home patients receive detailed training on sterile handling, recognizing signs of complications, and routine care: dressing changes at the catheter site at least weekly, and daily replacement of the infusion tubing.
4. Monitoring and Adjustments
Close monitoring ensures safety and effectiveness. Your team will track fluid balance, body weight, and vital signs. Regular blood tests are essential to monitor:
- Electrolytes and renal function (to prevent imbalance)
- Blood glucose levels (to manage metabolic response)
- Mineral panels (to detect deficiencies)
- Liver enzymes and bilirubin (to assess hepatic tolerance)Nutrition formulas are adjusted based on these results to meet your evolving needs.
5. Transitioning to Enteral or Oral Nutrition
While PN can sustain life long-term, the goal is to resume oral or tube feeding as soon as medically possible to reduce potential complications. The shift is gradual, starting with clear liquids, advancing to full liquids, and eventually solid foods, allowing the digestive system to reawaken and adapt.
Beijing L&Z can provide all specification of TPN bag. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Post time: Jan-22-2026