Parenteral nutrition overview: the role of the nurse and equipment

Parenteral nutrition is the intravenous provision of nutrition, made up of a mixture of components. It is for patients where conditions, such as intestinal failure, short bowel syndrome or bowel obstruction, are present and necessiate additional nutrition to meet patients’ needs and avoid malnutrition. Parenteral nutrition can be life-preserving for patients. There are four main types of central intravenous catheters that deliver these nutrients: an implantable port device, a tunnelled central venous catheter, a non-tunnelled central venous catheter and a peripherally-inserted central catheter. The three main bag types that contain of bags that contain these nutrients: pre-made, multi-chamber and bespoke. This article outlines the importance and involvement of nurses in the parenteral nutrition process, including the selection and administration of parenteral equipment, as well as presenting a summary of parenteral catheters and bags, their safety and evidence-based efficacy.