ABSTRACT
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is the technique of supplying all necessary nutrients intravenously to meet the requirements of patients when gastrointestinal diseases prevent the ingestion of an adequate oral diet. The development of this modality has given us time for the resolution of a disease without the complication of malnutrition. The staff nurses are responsible for teaching the patient about the system, under the supervision of the head nurse and TPN teacher. The head nurse should attempt to assign nursing staff on a consistent basis for the purpose of teaching. A skin rash or irritation may develop from the waterproof tape or Op-Site. This can be treated by applying tincture of benzoin to the irritated skin. Hypoglycemia occurs when there is a sudden decrease or a deficiency of sugar in the blood. Hyperglycemiama occurs if the infusion of the amino acid-dextrose solution is administered faster than the body has the ability to utilize this glucose.
