Pharmacology for Technicians: Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Support

Total Parenteral Nutrition, or TPN, is used when a patient is unable to eat for an extended period. This refers specifically to intravenous infusion of nutrients when patients cannot absorb enough. Due to physiological differences, disease, surgical issues, or injury, the ability to eat and digest food may be impaired. When this happens, we can provide both macro- (protein, sugar, and fat) and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) to sustain the body. This session will provide you with an overview of what TPN involves, its composition, and the importance of the technician in contributing to safe and effective preparation of parenteral nutrition to the patient.