Nutrition and Dietetic Department
Parenteral Nutrition (PN)
What is Parenteral Nutrition?
Parenteral nutrition is a solution that is made up essentially from fats, glucose, salts and
electrolytes your body needs to remain well. This type of feed is used when your stomach is not
working. This solution can help to keep you well while you are recovering from illness or
surgery. It is infused directly into your vein allowing your body to heal while it recovers but at
the same time allowing you to remain nourished.
How is it given?
It is slowly dripped into your vein by an infusion pump over 24 hours. The vein used needs to
be a large vein. Into this vein a catheter is inserted usually called a central line, picc line or
Hickman line. These large veins are used because the line inserted may remain for at least 14
days. 2 to 4 lines come out from the catheter. One (called a lumen) is used for the PN and the
others for either medication/ infusions needed. The amount of PN you need is worked out by
the dietitian as it is based on your calorie needs.
Will I feel sick with it?
You should not feel sick with it. If you are taking medications this will be discussed with the
consultant in charge of your care and the pharmacist to make sure it is safe for you.
Will my bowels still work?
You should not experience any stomach pains or diahorrea. The Parenteral nutrition is
absorbed directly into your blood stream but your gut still makes mucous and waste products so
you will still have your bowels open. Some patients have PN because their bowels are not
working properly after surgery.
How long will I have it?
This is dependent on your illness or surgery. However, it is usually used for 7 – 14 days. As
soon as your condition improves then the PN is reduced to half a bag the day before it is
stopped.
If you need this information in another format or language 01536 492510
Further information about the Trust is available on the following websites:
KGH - www.kgh.nhs.uk | NHS Choices - www.nhs.uk
Ref: PI 957 September 2015
Next Review: June 2017
Can I still eat while on it?
Most patients require PN because they are unable to eat due to surgery, illness or because is
important that you are kept nil by mouth for several days. Some patients do eat a light diet
while on the PN but guidance will be given by one of your consultant if this is the case.
Will it cause me to lose weight?
The amount you have is worked out by the dietitian as it is based on your calorie needs.
Therefore you should not lose weight. Sometimes the amount is increased or reduced
depending on whether you are able to eat or not.
What are the risks and complications?
The product is made up of fat and glucose which is bacteria like. Therefore infection control is
important while you are receiving PN. The line that the PN is administered into will not be used
for any other infusions. All staff dealing with your infusion lines will be wearing sterile gloves
and an apron. The line will be wiped with an antiseptic wipe before using. Your dressing
covering the line will be changed weekly unless it comes off or becomes dirty.
If you have a raised temperature, feel shivery, shaky, sweaty or feel dizzy, it is important that
you inform the nurse or doctor as this may indicate that you have an infection in your line. If this
does happen, the line will have to be removed.
Another risk is raised blood glucose due to the amount of glucose in the product. Initially your
blood sugars will be checked 4 hourly by a simple prick to your finger. As this can be sore as
long as your blood glucose levels are stable this can be reduced to twice daily check.
How am I monitored?
The nursing staff will monitor your blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, pulse and
heart rate every 4 hours. Your blood sugar will be checked twice a day.
Each day a blood test will be taken to ensure that some of the salts and electrolytes your body
needs to remain healthy are in normal ranges. You may require extra infusions if any of these
become low.
You will also receive a daily small infusion of a drug called cernavit and another called
additrace. These are essential vitamins your body needs to remain well and as these are not
included in the PN bag they will be given separately, over a short period of time. One of them is
injected into one of the lines from your central line or hickman, the other is dripped in over 3
hours. As soon as your PN can come down these are stopped.
Contact Information
For further advice or information, please do not hesitate to contact
The Nutrition specialist Nurse
 01536 492319 or 01536 492000, bleep 029
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