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Nutrition & Dietetics vocabulary · Clinical Nutrition

Parenteral nutrition

Meaning in nutrition & dietetics, with examples

/pəˈrentərəl nuˈtrɪʃən/nounCommon term

In nutrition & dietetics, parenteral nutrition means: Feeding given directly into a vein, bypassing the digestive system, for patients whose gut cannot be used or cannot absorb enough nutrients.

In Turkish: parenteral beslenme, damar yoluyla beslenme

How it is used

Abbreviated PN; when it covers all of a patient's needs it is called total parenteral nutrition (TPN). It is planned by a nutrition support team and given through a central or peripheral line. Staff monitor blood glucose, electrolytes, liver function and signs of infection.

Example sentences

  1. After bowel surgery, she needed parenteral nutrition for two weeks.

  2. Parenteral nutrition carries a higher risk of infection than tube feeding.

Common collocations

  • total parenteral nutrition
  • TPN
  • start parenteral nutrition
  • nutrition support team
  • central line
  • enteral nutritionFeeding that uses the digestive tract, usually through a tube into the stomach or small intestine, for patients who cannot eat enough by mouth. Some definitions also include oral nutritional supplements.
  • clinical nutritionThe branch of nutrition that deals with preventing, diagnosing and managing nutrition-related problems in patients, especially in hospitals, clinics and long-term care.
  • electrolyteA mineral, such as sodium, potassium, chloride or magnesium, that carries an electric charge in body fluids and helps control fluid balance, nerves and muscles.
  • malnutritionA condition caused by a diet that does not match the body's needs. It usually means undernutrition, but in global health it also covers overweight, obesity and micronutrient deficiencies.

More terms: Clinical Nutrition

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.