Description:
A form of long-term nutritional support that is given directly into the bloodstream through a catheter placed into a vein. TPN bypasses the digestive system and may be given when a person is not able to eat or drink by mouth or has a disease or condition that affects their ability to absorb nutrients through the digestive system. TPN is complete nutrition that provides all the calories, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that a person needs when they cannot digest food. Also called total parenteral nutrition.
