ABSTRACT
In some instances, it may not be possible to provide nutrition enterally. Parenteral
feeding (often referred to as total parenteral nutrition – TPN) may be used when a
person is unable to use the gastrointestinal tract for nutrition, either temporarily
or in the long term. An example would be a person who has had major surgery to
the gastrointestinal tract. In parenteral nutrition, nutrients and micronutrients are
administered directly into the circulation intravenously via a device in the vein and
therefore only qualified nurses can administer TPN.
