ABSTRACT

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the process of feeding a person intravenously to prevent adverse effects of malnutrition in the presence of a nonfunctioning gastrointestinal (GI) tract (see Chapter 23, in this book for more information). Adults and children have been successfully receiving PN in the home setting for more than three decades in North America. Components of the PN solution and the supplies used to infuse PN have become safer and easier to use. The ambulatory infusion devices have become smaller, more portable, and more durable. Great strides have been made to assist patients needing home PN to accommodate to this therapy and lifestyle change, whether it is short-term or lifetime, mainly by creating the possibility of independence and autonomy. With autonomy comes a greater sense of control over one’s life and visible success as evidenced by problem-free infusions, prolonged infection-free catheter dwell times, and sustained weight gain/ maintenance compliance.