IV Care: Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Therapy

When you use total parenteral nutrition (TPN), fluids feed your body without passing through your stomach. TPN is given by IV with a pump.

Know your TPN fluids

• Read the medicine sheet that comes with the TPN. Be aware of any warnings and side effects.

• Check the label on the TPN bag before starting an IV. Make sure the patient name, TPN fluids, and dose are correct.

• Don't use TPN with an expired date.

• Don't use TPN if the bag is leaking.

• Don't use TPN if it looks lumpy or oily.

• Don't use TPN if anything is floating in it.

Handle supplies as directed

• Store TPN in the refrigerator. If it’s not kept cold, TPN lasts only 24 hours. Don't freeze.

• Before using TPN, let it get close to room temperature. Don't heat.

• If vitamins need to be added to the TPN, do so as directed.

• Put all used needles and syringes in a special container (sharps container).

• When the IV is done, put the used supplies in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and throw it in the trash.

Track your health

• Weigh yourself daily. If you lose or gain weight, your TPN dose may need adjusting.

• Keep track of your urine output as directed. Tell the nurse if the amount increases or decreases a lot.

• Check your blood sugar if directed. A nurse may take a blood sample from you each week. This is to make sure your TPN dose is right for you.

Know these IV basics

• Keep the dressing over the catheter exit site clean and dry. Change the dressing if it comes loose or gets soiled or wet.

• Flush the catheter with saline or heparin as directed.

• Wipe all injection sites with alcohol.

• Be sure all IV supplies are in sealed packets. If sterile packets are open, throw away those supplies.

• Do not stop the pump during an IV infusion unless a nurse tells you to.