When does TPN become necessary?

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TPN is the abbreviated form of Total Parenteral Nutrition. It refers to total nutritional fulfillment of human body. When a person is unable to eat a proper meal or suffers from malnutrition nutrition, TPN is administered through injection. TPN can be provided in specialized care centers, hospitals and home. Depending upon the overall health, doctors may recommend TPN dosage for longer duration. TPN treatment must be availed at the same time everyday. If you miss a TPN schedule or forget to add any medicine, you must contact your caregiver immediately.

When is TPN administered?

TPN is administered in the following cases: 

• Patient suffering from intestinal, bowel, or pancreatic infection
• Digestive tract fails to provide sufficient nutrition
• Patient suffering from AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• Individual suffering from cancer, burn injury, starvation or anorexia.

Who should avoid TPN?

You must avoid TPN treatment if you are suffering from any of these complications:

• Allergies to oils, peanuts or vitamins and eggs
• Blood clotting complication
• High blood cholesterol levels
• Kidney, liver or heart ailment
• Severe pancreatic problem such as pancreatitis
• Pneumothorax or venous thrombosis
• Severe electrolyte abnormalities.
• Pregnant or breast feeding.

How is TPN administered?

TPN is administered through special IV line implanted in the neck, arm or upper chest. Right dosage is controlled through a pump. TPN can only be administered by skilled paramedics.

What are the precautions for TPN treatment?

If you are asked to continue TPN treatment at home, you must careful about below mentioned factors.

• TPN supplies must be refrigerated. However the supplies should not freeze.
• TPN supplies should be taken out of refrigerator atleast two hours prior to the administration. They should be allowed to reach normal temperature. Never warm these supplies in microwave oven or by other methods.
• Check for expiry date. 
• Avoid using leaky, oily or cloudy ampoules. Discard TPN supplies if solid pieces appear floating inside. Always ask your physician for better guidance. 
• The caregiver must wash her or his hand before IV administration. 
• All TPN equipments must be kept clean. 
• Do not shake the TPN bag.
• Sometimes, your treatment may include additional medications or supplements which may change color to yellowish tinge. It is a normal phenomenon.
• Never repeat any IV supplies. Discard them in separate bin after usage. This container should be kept away from the reach of children and pets.
• If you encounter any complication, seek medical attention immediately.
• You must weigh yourself regularly
• Blood sugar testing may be recommended. 
• The caregiver will guide you to fill up health records regularly so that he can monitor development in your health. Besides, he or she will assess the body’s response towards TPN treatment. 

What are the complications of TPN?

Contact your caregiver if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden increase or decrease of weight
• You have a fever
• Redness, soreness, or leakage at the site where IV goes into the skin
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Excessive thirst along with excessive urination
• Dizziness
• IV line is malfunctioning
• Deep yellowish tinge in the skin or whites of your eyes.

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