What is total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
Total parenteral (pronounced pa-ren-ter-ull) nutrition is often referred to as TPN for short. TPN is intravenous or IV nutrition. This means that if your child is on TPN, he or she is getting all of his or her nutrition – total nutrition – intravenously or through an IV. According to Jane Anne Yaworski, MSN, RN, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Nutrition Support Service and Intestinal Care Center, “parenteral” actually means to eat (-enteral) through an IV (par-). The total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution will provide your child with all or most of his or her calories and nutrients. The solution contains protein, carbohydrates (in the form of glucose), glucose, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Protein is important for building muscle strength. You normally get protein by eating things like meat, cheese, and eggs. Carbohydrates and glucose-or sugar-are needed to give the body energy. You normally get carbohydrates and glucose from foods like pasta, bread, and fruits. Even though TPN c
