What does total parenteral nutrition (TPN) refer to?

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) refers to the delivery of nutrients directly into the bloodstream. It is a method of providing nutrition to individuals who cannot eat or absorb food through the gastrointestinal tract. TPN is designed to meet all of a person's nutritional needs, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, through an intravenous route. This approach is critical for patients who may be experiencing severe malnutrition, have gastrointestinal conditions, or require complete bowel rest.

In contrast, supplemental feeding via a nasogastric tube involves the delivery of nutrients directly into the stomach, not the bloodstream, which is fundamentally different from TPN. The administration of fluids and electrolytes only would not encompass the full range of nutrients required for complete nutritional support, which TPN does. Similarly, the oral intake of essential vitamins pertains to nutrition provided by the mouth, which is not a characteristic of TPN. Understanding the specific definition of TPN emphasizes its role in providing comprehensive nutritional care through intravenous administration.