Parenteral
Administration route bypassing the GI tract
Definition
Parenteral refers to medication or nutrient administration through routes other than the gastrointestinal tract. Common parenteral routes are intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SubQ), and intradermal.
Uses
- When oral route unavailable (NPO, vomiting, unconscious)
- Rapid onset required (emergencies)
- GI absorption poor or drug altered by GI enzymes/first-pass metabolism
- Drugs not available in oral form
- Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
- Delivered via central line
- Provides complete nutrition (amino acids, glucose, lipids, vitamins, minerals)
- Monitor glucose, electrolytes, triglycerides, liver function
- Change TPN bag and tubing every 24 hours (infection risk)
- Watch for refeeding syndrome in malnourished patients
NCLEX Relevance
TPN: central line required, monitor glucose closely.