Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION ADMINISTRATION IN A CHILD
Intravenous administration of complete nutrition including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Purpose
- Provide nutrition when enteral route unavailable
- Support growth
- Correct malnutrition
- Maintain metabolic balance
Indications
- Short bowel syndrome
- Prolonged ileus
- Severe malabsorption
- Prematurity
- Post-surgical recovery
Equipment
- TPN solution
- Infusion pump
- Central or peripheral line
- Filter tubing
- Alcohol swabs
- Gloves
- Glucose monitoring supplies
Preparation
- Verify calculations
- Prepare infusion pump
- Assess vascular access
- Obtain baseline labs
Procedure steps
- Verify TPN order
- Inspect solution
- Use dedicated line
- Prime tubing with filter
- Set infusion rate
- Monitor glucose
- Assess tolerance
- Document administration
Precautions
- Use strict asepsis
- Monitor glucose closely
- Check electrolytes
- Prevent line infections
Aftercare
- Monitor glucose/electrolytes
- Assess growth parameters
- Watch for complications
- Document response
Nursing considerations
- Calculate based on weight/age
- Monitor liver function
- Transition to enteral when possible
Patient education
- Explain purpose of TPN
- Discuss duration
- Teach signs of problems
Documentation
- TPN composition
- Infusion rate
- Glucose levels
- Complications
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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