TOTAL PARENTERAL

NUTRITION
By: Group #3
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:
1. What are the possible complications of TPN?

Possible complications of TPN

Complications Possible cause Signs and symptoms

Infection •Poor aseptic technique •Chills
•Catheter contamination •Fever
•Contamination of solution •Elevated WBC
•Discharges at insertion
site
Pneumothorax •Incorrect placement of •Absence of breath sounds
catheter on affected side
•Chest or shoulder pain
•Sudden shortness of
breath
•Tachycardia
•Cyanosis
 Possible complications of TPN
Complications Possible Cause Signs and Symptoms
Air Embolism •Opened catheter system •Apprehension
•Disconnected IV tubings •Chest pain
•Air on IV tubings •Dyspnea
•Hypotension
•Rapid and weak pulse
Hyperglycemia •Patients receiving solution too •Coma
quickly •Confusion
•Not enough insulin •Elevated blood glucose level
•Infection (≥200mg/dL)
•Excessive thirst

Hypervolemia •Excessive fluid •Bounding pulse

administration •Headache
•Administration of fluid •Increase blood pressure
rapidly •Weight gain
•Renal dysfunction
•Heart failure
•Hepatic failure
Hypoglycemia •Parenteral Nutrition abruptly •Anxiety
discontinued •Diaphoresis
•Too much insulin •Low blood pressure
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:
2. What are the factors to be considered by the
doctor in prescribing TPN?
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:
3. What will be the route of administration for
TPN?

TPN is administered parenterally (intravenous).

TPN may be given in ff ways:
Via peripheral veins- this route may be successfully used
for a short period of 1-2 weeks
Via central venous catheter- this route is used where long
term IV feeding is anticipated. Central Vein Catheter may remain
patent for years if cared for properly.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:
4. Who will be the one responsible for
preparing TPN?

The PHARMACIST is the one responsible for

preparing TPN.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:
5. What are the different sets of equipment that
you need to use for administering TPN?