Assignment Problem: Mr. Roberts is a 37-year-old mail carrier who has been admitted to the hospital for Crohn's disease. He has been steadily losing weight and appears emaciated. Mr. Roberts needs surgery as soon as possible to remove a portion of his small intestine. In the meantime, he cannot be placed on enteral feedings. The nutritional assessment reveals severe protein energy malnutrition.
Questions: Mr. Roberts is placed on central TPN prior to surgery. He progresses well, gains weight, and undergoes surgery about one week after admission.
What factors in Mr. Roberts' history indicated the need for central TPN?
How should the nurse explain the need for TPN to Mr. Roberts?