parenteral nutrition
Pronunciation: pah-REN-ter-al
Also written as: PN — Parenteral Nutrition
Intravenous delivery of nutrients bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, essential for premature infants unable to tolerate enteral feeding.
Full Definition
Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the intravenous administration of nutrients including amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, designed to meet the metabolic needs of infants who cannot receive adequate nutrition enterally. In neonatology, PN is frequently used for very low birth weight infants, those with gastrointestinal disorders, or during post-surgical recovery periods. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) provides all nutritional requirements intravenously, while partial parenteral nutrition supplements enteral intake. Careful monitoring is required to prevent complications including infection, metabolic disturbances, and hepatic dysfunction. The goal is early transition to enteral nutrition to support intestinal development and reduce infection risk.
Usage
Usage note: PN and TPN often used interchangeably but TPN specifically indicates total nutrition; specify route and duration in documentation.
In Context
- "The 900-gram infant received parenteral nutrition via central line while enteral feeds were gradually advanced." — Nutritional assessment note
- "Parenteral nutrition was discontinued after the infant achieved full enteral feeding tolerance at 35 weeks corrected age." — Discharge planning summary