Explain Total Parenteral Nutrition OPN)
It is a method of providing, complete nutritional support in which the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is bypassed by introducing assimilable nutrients into a central vein. This is done in cases where a patient's nutritional need is great and assisted feeding is required for a longer time. You might wonder why specifically a central vein (mostly superior vena cava) is used. Well, this is because it is the central vein which can tolerate ahyperosmolar solution and hence nutritional support can be provided in a form that will meet all nutritional needs. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a special surgical procedure in which special nutrient solutions are administered by a nutrition support team which includes the physician, dietitian, pharmacist and nurse. The patient needs special care and support.