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How Intravenous Nutrition Can Help

Intravenous Nutrition

For some patients, receiving essential nutrients is not possible without the help of intravenous (IV) nutrition. If the digestive tract can no longer adequately absorb nutrients or there are temporary periods that the tract should be free of food, IV nutrition is a method of getting nutrition into the body through the veins. This is a common and critical procedure for patients with Crohn’s disease, bowel disease, GI disorders, cancer, and other illnesses. To prevent or correct malnutrition, IV nutrition (also called total parenteral nutrition or TPN) is a life-saving alternative for the body to receive its dietary requirements.

Intravenous nutrition is administered through a central venous catheter (a needle or catheter placed in a vein that goes to the heart) and delivers calories, carbohydrates, glucose, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. While IV nutrition may seem intimidating initially, any discomfort is secondary compared to the benefits.

Roughly 40,000 people in the US receive IV nutrition at home. When a patient receives IV nutrition at home, it should be provided by a licensed home care nurse. An experienced home health nurse ensures proper, sterile administration and monitors for any symptoms of infection. A nurse will also observe and record nutritional progress to ensure the IV nutrition is effective.

Taking care of a loved one who needs intravenous feeding can be complicated, but having expert, high-tech nursing care services at home can make all the difference. Intravenous nutrition can be a life-saving treatment for receiving essential nutrition and improving health. However, it does require careful administration and diligent observation to be successful.

At Passionate Private Duty, our professional and supportive home care services are tailored to address each patient’s needs. We are dedicated to delivering safe and appropriate home care in Pingree Grove, Illinois and surrounding areas. Give us a call for more information.

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