What is Parenteral Nutrition (PN)?
PN stands for Parenteral Nutrition and is a way of feeding the body by bypassing the gut. Everybody needs nutrition in order to live and function, however in some circumstances the body’s ability to eat and absorb food may be affected and the gut may not function as usual.
PN comes in the form of a liquid which is given directly into the bloodstream. The liquid contains all the nutrition that your body needs, and that you would normally obtain from eating, including energy in the form of calories, fat, vitamins and minerals.
Does PN affect the gut?
As it goes straight into the bloodstream, it will not affect gut function and therefore does not cause gut side effects for example bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or nausea.
How is PN given?
In order to get into the bloodstream PN will need to be given through an intravenous line. This may be in the form of a peripheral or central cannula:
Peripheral cannula: this line will enter a small vein in the forearm.
Central cannula: this line enters a large vein via the upper arm, or if you have had an operation then this line may be in the side of your neck.
Will PN continue overnight?
Usually when commencing PN, the liquid will be given through the day and night. However, after time, it may be possible to reduce the duration that the liquid is given to allow some time away from the pump.
Can I eat and drink whilst on PN?
This will depend on your condition and the reason why you are being given PN. Your medical team will discuss this with you.
When is PN stopped?
When your gut is working as usual and you can eat and drink well then your PN will usually be reduced or stopped.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Risk of infection
As well as being a good source of nutrition for you, it can be a source of food for bacteria, so the team looking after you
will use sterile techniques to prevent bacterial contamination of your PN and of the intravenous line.
If, however, you notice any leaks, swelling, redness, fever, or other problems, please let a member of the ward staff know immediately. If the feed becomes disconnected, it cannot be reconnected, therefore please do not attempt to handle the line or disconnect it or reconnect it yourself.
Vein problems
Very rarely the vein can become inflamed. If you notice stinging, please let a member of staff know and they may be able to adjust the rate at which the liquid is given in order to reduce the irritation.
Liver abnormalities
In a few patients, the nutrition going directly into the bloodstream can affect the liver. We monitor this with blood tests and can often adjust the content of the PN to reduce this problem.
Refeeding syndrome
If you have not eaten for a prolonged period of time before PN is introduced, then feeding is commenced slowly so that the body can adjust to having nutrition again. We will monitor your blood tests regularly during this time and provide you with extra vitamins.
Should you have any further questions then do not hesitate to ask a member of the hospital PN Team or your nursing team.
Contact details
Parenteral Nutrition Team - 0161 206 0281
Date of Review: July 2023
Date of Next Review: July 2025
Ref No: PI_M_1214 (Salford)