What Types of Supplies Do You Need For TPN Nutrition?

Total parenteral nutrition, or TPN, is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. TPN delivers a specialized formula containing nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals directly into your bloodstream. This allows your body to receive nutrition even if you can’t eat or digest food normally. TPN requires some specific supplies and equipment to administer correctly. As you or your loved one prepares for TPN nutrition, you must gather everything necessary for safe and effective at-home use. Here’s an overview of the must-have TPN supplies.

An IV Catheter is Required to Deliver the TPN

The TPN formula must be delivered intravenously, meaning into a vein. So, you’ll need an IV catheter, a venous access device, or a central line. A PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) or a tunneled IV catheter port are standard options. A nurse or doctor inserts the catheter, which stays in place for weeks or months, so you don’t need repeated IV insertions. Be sure you’re trained on proper catheter care to prevent infections.

Use IV Tubing for Proper Administration

To deliver the TPN from the bag or bottle into your catheter, you’ll need intravenous (IV) tubing. This sterile tubing attaches to the IV catheter on one end and the TPN container on the other. IV tubing comes in different materials like silicone or PVC plastic. It also comes in different diameters or gauges, so use the size recommended for TPN. The tubing has a clamp to control the flow rate. Replace IV tubing regularly as instructed.

You’ll Need an IV Pump to Control the Flow

TPN flows from the container through the tubing into your catheter. Controlling the flow rate is crucial, which is where an IV pump comes in. IV pumps carefully regulate the amount of TPN formula infused over a certain period, preventing complications. Home IV pumps are compact, portable devices. Be sure to understand how to properly program and operate your TPN pump according to medical instructions. Carry extra IV pump batteries as backups.

Use Alcohol Wipes to Disinfect and Clean

Since TPN administration involves inserting tubes and fluid into your bloodstream, maintaining sterility is vital. This is where alcohol wipes or swabs play an essential role. Use alcohol wipes containing isopropyl alcohol to clean the catheter insertion site thoroughly before access. You should also disinfect IV tubing connectors, pumps, and any other supplies or skin that will come into contact with the TPN. This helps prevent dangerous infections.

Dressings Keep the Catheter Site Protected

It’s also crucial to protect the IV catheter insertion site from contamination. This is accomplished by using sterile dressings like transparent films or gauze pads. These cover the site while allowing visibility and monitoring. Use dressings designed for central IV catheters rather than regular band-aids. Change them frequently, along with taping or anchoring the tubing to keep everything in place. Keep extra dressings so you can replace them as needed.

Have Saline Syringes Available to Flush the Line

TPN formulations are very concentrated, so the catheter tubing needs regular flushing and maintenance. Use saline syringes to flush the line before and after infusions to help prevent clogs and remove medication residues. Small (3 to 5mL) pre-filled saline syringes are ideal for catheter line care. Be sure to use sterile regular saline syringes only, not other solutions. Disinfect the end before use. Flush gently to avoid pressure on the catheter.

You’ll Need a Medication Administration Set

In addition to TPN, other IV medications are often administered through the central catheter when needed. This requires a specialized IV tubing called a medication or piggyback administration set. It’s a short tube that connects to the primary IV line. Always check that the correct dose is programmed when administering medications via the central line and TPN.

Adhesive Tape or Anchors Keep Tubing in Place

Once all the sterile tubing is in place for TPN infusion, it must stay secured. Tape pieces of adhesive tape or anchor devices over the catheter and tubing where it rests on your skin. This prevents dragging, twisting, and dislodgement of the line. But replace the tape frequently and reposition the line to avoid skin irritation. There are also arm boards or sleeves to provide more secure tubing protection. TPN provides essential nutrition when you’re unable to meet calorie and nutrient needs through your digestive system. However, it requires specific supplies for safe and proper administration directly into your veins. Gather all the necessary sterile tubing, dressings, disinfectants, tape, and pumps as your healthcare providers recommend. Use and maintain them carefully to prevent infections and other complications. With the right TPN supplies and some training, this unique nutrition therapy can get the nutrients you need into your bloodstream.