A 50-year-old man with severe malabsorption following extensive bowel surgery is started on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The healthcare team discusses the specifics and indications of TPN with him and his family.
Which of the following statements is true regarding total parenteral nutrition?
A. Is defined as IV provision of all nutritional requirements without use of gastrointestinal tract
B. Is indicated when a person cannot take enteral nutrition
C. May be administered 1000 ml per hour
D. Person receives only glucose and electrolytes
E. Direct insertion of nutrition into the stomach
Answer:
The Correct Answer is: A. Is defined as IV provision of all nutritional requirements without use of gastrointestinal tract
Explanation:
Is defined as IV provision of all nutritional requirements without use of gastrointestinal tract (A):
– Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) involves the intravenous administration of all essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract entirely. It is used when the GI tract is not functional or cannot be used for a prolonged period.
Explanation of Incorrect Options:
Is indicated when a person cannot take enteral nutrition (B):
– While this statement is correct and is indeed one of the main indications for TPN, it is not the most complete definition of TPN itself. TPN is specifically the provision of all nutrients intravenously, bypassing the GI tract.
May be administered 1000 ml per hour (C):
– Administering TPN at a rate of 1000 ml per hour is not practical and could be dangerous, leading to fluid overload and other complications. TPN is typically administered over 24 hours or over a specified duration in a controlled manner.
Person receives only glucose and electrolytes (D):
– TPN provides a comprehensive mix of nutrients, including glucose, amino acids (proteins), lipids (fats), vitamins, and minerals, not just glucose and electrolytes.
Direct insertion of nutrition into the stomach (E):
– This describes enteral nutrition, not TPN. Enteral nutrition involves feeding directly into the stomach or intestines via a tube, whereas TPN is delivered intravenously.
In conclusion, the true statement regarding total parenteral nutrition is that it is defined as the IV provision of all nutritional requirements without use of the gastrointestinal tract, making option A the correct answer.