Parenteral and enteral nutrition

Parenteral and enteral nutrition

Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference
Therapeutic class	Nutritional support
Pharmacologic class	Total parenteral nutrition, enteral formulas, colloid (albumin)
Onset / peak / duration	Continuous or scheduled.
Half-life / level	Not applicable; guided by labs.
Routes	IV
High-alert (ISMP)	No
Black box warning	None
Antidote / reversal	Adjust the formula; treat complications.
Pregnancy / lactation	Used as needed.

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Parenteral and enteral nutrition — Nutritional support; Total parenteral nutrition, enteral formulas, colloid (albumin).

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Nutritional support.
• Pharmacologic class: Total parenteral nutrition, enteral formulas, colloid (albumin).

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Provide calories, protein, electrolytes, vitamins, and trace elements when oral or enteral intake is inadequate; albumin expands plasma volume.
• Onset / peak / duration: Continuous or scheduled.
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Not applicable; guided by labs.

Clinical use

• Indications: Inability to meet nutritional needs orally (TPN, enteral), hypovolemia and hypoalbuminemia (albumin).
• Usual dose, route, frequency: TPN via central line continuously; enteral via feeding tube; albumin IV.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: Advance TPN gradually; taper to prevent rebound hypoglycemia; monitor refeeding risk.

Safety

• Contraindications: Per clinical status.
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: TPN compatibility limited; use a dedicated line.
• Pregnancy / lactation: Used as needed.
• High-alert: No.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Hyperglycemia, electrolyte shifts.
• Serious effects to report: Refeeding syndrome (low phosphate, potassium, magnesium), central line infection, hyperglycemia, fluid overload (albumin).
• Antidote / reversal: Adjust the formula; treat complications.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Nutritional status, electrolytes, glucose, line placement and patency.
• Interventions during therapy: Strict aseptic central line care; do not abruptly stop TPN (rebound hypoglycemia); monitor glucose; verify tube placement before enteral feeds.
• Monitor: Glucose, electrolytes (especially phosphate during refeeding), weight, line site, intake and output.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Adequate nutrition without metabolic complications.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Report fever or line-site changes; the team monitors labs.
• Notify provider if: Fever, line-site redness, signs of high or low blood sugar.
• Administration tips: Dedicated central line for TPN; aseptic technique; do not stop TPN abruptly.