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Tag: Patient management

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Can You Still Eat If You Have TPN?

4 min read
According to medical experts, it is often possible for some patients to eat while receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), but this depends entirely on their specific medical condition and treatment goals. A patient's care team, including doctors and dietitians, will provide crucial guidance on whether oral intake is safe and appropriate, as the digestive tract may be impaired for various reasons.

What is Considered Long-Term TPN and its Implications?

4 min read
Approximately 40,000 people use Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) at home in the United States, a testament to the life-sustaining potential of this therapy. For these individuals, understanding what is considered long-term TPN is crucial for navigating the specific challenges and management needs of continuous nutritional support.

Which Vitamin to Supplement with Penicillamine in Wilson Disease?

4 min read
The lifelong treatment of Wilson disease often involves a potent copper-chelating agent called penicillamine, but this medication is known to interfere with the absorption and function of a crucial vitamin, necessitating supplementation. Failure to supplement can lead to serious complications for patients undergoing treatment for this genetic disorder.

Which of the following is important when refeeding a malnourished patient?

4 min read
Refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal complication, occurs in up to 34% of intensive care unit patients when nutritional support is initiated. This serious condition is characterized by severe electrolyte and fluid shifts, emphasizing the critical importance of a carefully managed refeeding process for anyone recovering from malnutrition.

What is the enteral feeding pathway?

4 min read
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, enteral nutrition is the preferred method of nutritional support over parenteral nutrition when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is functional. This critical medical procedure, known as the enteral feeding pathway, provides essential nutrients directly into the stomach or small intestine for patients who cannot consume adequate nutrition orally.

What are the side effects of a feeding tube in the stomach?

3 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, tube-related complications and problems in patients receiving long-term home enteral nutrition are frequent and can result in significant healthcare usage. This highlights the importance of understanding what the side effects of a feeding tube in the stomach are and how to manage them effectively.

Understanding What Are the Side Effects of Tube Feeding

4 min read
According to a study published in the NCBI Bookshelf, tube-related complications are frequent in patients receiving long-term home enteral nutrition. It is crucial for patients and caregivers to understand what are the side effects of tube feeding to ensure proper care and management of potential issues.

How Long Does Parenteral Nutrition Last?

4 min read
About 40,000 people in the United States use home total parenteral nutrition (HPN). This specialized intravenous feeding is used when the digestive tract is non-functional, and the duration varies dramatically depending on the underlying medical issue and a patient's progress toward oral intake.

What is Refeeding Syndrome in Surgical Patients?

4 min read
Refeeding syndrome, a potentially lethal condition, can affect surgical patients who receive nutritional support after a period of starvation. This occurs due to rapid and severe fluid and electrolyte shifts that can lead to significant metabolic and physiological complications, making early recognition crucial for patient safety.

Understanding How and Why Can Protein Be Added to TPN

6 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, protein, in the form of amino acids, is a crucial component of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and is regularly included in IV solutions to meet patient needs. Understanding how protein is incorporated is key to comprehending this vital form of nutritional support. So, can protein be added to TPN, and what does this process entail?