Parenteral nutrition is the intravenous administration of liquid nutritional products to a person, bypassing the usual process of feeding and digestion. The person receives a formulaic nutritional mixture containing glucose, protein, amino acids, amino acids, fat, vitamins and dietary minerals, administered to patients who cannot be switched to usual nutrition within three days.
Parenteral nutrition is the medical term for the intravenous administration of food. There are two types of parenteral nutrition, total parenteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition.
If nutrients are consumed with total parenteral nutrition, all that is required is that the nutrition is taken through a needle in the vein. If partial parenteral nutrition is used, some food can still be consumed using the digestive system. Nutrition is of great importance. The food that is taken in gives the body the ability to function. It is especially important for children. Lack of a healthy diet can lead to delayed development and stunted growth. Parenteral nutrition helps some individuals to get all the food they need to stay healthy.
Who Needs Parenteral Nutrition?
People of any age group and infants can apply for this method of nutrition. The required amount of parenteral nutrition can be taken. If there is a condition that prevents healthy food intake, parenteral nutrition may be needed. The special conditions that require this form of nutrition are as follows;
- Crohn's disease
- Short bowel syndrome
- Intense vomiting
- Intense diarrhea
- Radiation sickness
- Intense unhealthy diet
If you have a poorly functioning digestive system or poor vascular access, parenteral nutrition may not be healthy.
How does parenteral nutrition work?
In general, a team of specialists, nurses and nutritionists will decide whether you need parenteral nutrition. They work together to determine exactly how many calories, nutrients and fluids you need as part of your nutrition plan. They work in the following ways;
Short-term catheters: A short-term parantel is the healthiest for nutrition.
Long-term catheters: Healthier for long-term parenteral nutrition because they are less likely to cause infections and viruses.
Peripherally placed central catheters: This is another option for long-term parenteral nutrition. This is a large vascular catheter that supplies blood directly to the heart.
Implanted devices: These surgical implants allow you to receive nutrition through a special needle. When you receive parenteral nutrition, the nutrition does not pass through the digestive system, but goes directly into the bloodstream.
What are the risks of parenteral nutrition?
Parenteral nutrition is a nutrition therapy in which amino acids, glucose, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals are administered intravenously. The risks of parenteral nutrition are as follows;
- Getting infection
- Blockage of the catheter
- Broken catheter
- Blood clots around the catheter
- Nutritional disorders
- Intensive feeding
- Fatty liver disease
Experts advise that personal hygiene should be maintained to prevent infection. They recommend constant hand washing, wearing gloves when handling the port or catheter and checking the port for signs of infection. You can flush the catheter with water to prevent blockages and decontaminate it. In addition, the healthcare staff involved can use an anticoagulant to prevent blockages.
What is the lifestyle with parenteral nutrition?
Many people can continue to work, go to school or do other activities related to parenteral nutrition. However, lifestyle while on parenteral nutrition is likely to be dictated by the underlying conditions that led to using PN.
Experts generally recommend avoiding contact sports and swimming while on parenteral nutrition. However, cycling or low-impact activities with less risk of laceration may be a good choice for individuals on parenteral nutrition.