Why is this procedure done?
TPN is a liquid form of food given through an I.V. catheter into the body. It is used when you cannot or should not eat food by mouth. A central venous catheter is most often inserted for TPN. ‚
TPN may be used: ‚
- Before surgery if you have not been eating well
- After surgery if you do not get better or there are problems
- If you have inflammatory bowel disease
- If you cannot eat or get nutrients from food
- If you cannot swallow or digest food taken by mouth
TPN is made up of sugars, fats, and proteins. A dietitian will work with your doctor to decide how much you will need. ‚
What will the results be?
You will get the total nutrition you need for your body to heal and work the right way. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
Your doctor may give you a topical pain killer and then place a special I.V. catheter in one of the deep veins in your body. The doctor may use an ultrasound device to help make sure the catheter is in the right place. You may need to have an x-ray to check the catheter. The TPN solution will go into your body through the I.V. catheter. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
You may go back to your normal activities. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Make sure you brush your teeth often and visit your dentist.
- Take good care of your catheter by:
- Keeping it in place. Do not push or pull on it.
- Cleaning the opening before use. Do not let the opening touch anything.
- Asking your doctor what to do if you get a clog.
- Take care of the catheter site by:
- Washing your hands before and after touching it.
- Putting a clean dressing over the catheter insertion site.
- Follow instructions for taking care of the site.
- Getting the TPN ready to use:
- Wash your hands before and after setting up the bag.
- Make sure the solution is clear and without any floating bits.
- Gently squeeze the bag to check for leaks.
- Get a new bag if your bag has a leak or is the wrong color.
- Take the bag from the refrigerator 2 to 4 hours before you need it. Do not heat the bag in a microwave.
- If told to do so, keep extra bags in the freezer. Once you take them out of the freezer, do not put them in the freezer again. Frozen bags may need to be placed in the refrigerator 24 hours before needed.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Catheter falls out
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Loose or hard stools
- Problems or concerns with your catheter
- Tingling sensation in hands or feet
- Seizures
- Swelling of hands or feet
- Loss of memory or confusion
- Rapid loss or gain of weight
- Trouble breathing
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition ‚
http://www.nutritioncare.org/wcontent.aspx?id=270 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚