When is Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition (PPN) indicated for a patient?

When is Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition (PPN) indicated for a patient?

• A. If therapy is expected to last longer than 10 days
• B. If therapy is only needed for 7-10 days or if TPN is not an option
• C. If the patient has a higher caloric requirement
• D. If the patient has gastrointestinal function available

Answer: (B)

Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition (PPN) is indicated when a patient requires nutritional support for a limited duration, typically 7-10 days, and is not suitable for Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). PPN is generally used when the patient's nutritional needs can be met through peripheral veins, which limits the caloric density and the composition of nutrients that can be safely infused. In this context, PPN is chosen over TPN for short-term nutrition because it utilizes peripheral veins rather than central veins. This approach accommodates situations where a patient's gastrointestinal (GI) function is compromised but not entirely non-functional; hence, the support can be temporary. It is also relevant for patients who might benefit from enteral feeding soon, thus necessitating only a short-term intervention. Using PPN for longer than 10 days or when a patient's caloric requirements exceed what can be delivered through a peripheral route is not advisable due to the risk of complications, including vein irritation or thrombophlebitis, as well as insufficient nutrient delivery. Therefore, the selection of PPN is particularly appropriate in those cases where short-term nutritional support is indicated while keeping safety and feasibility in mind.

Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition (PPN) is indicated when a patient requires nutritional support for a limited duration, typically 7-10 days, and is not suitable for Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). PPN is generally used when the patient's nutritional needs can be met through peripheral veins, which limits the caloric density and the composition of nutrients that can be safely infused.

In this context, PPN is chosen over TPN for short-term nutrition because it utilizes peripheral veins rather than central veins. This approach accommodates situations where a patient's gastrointestinal (GI) function is compromised but not entirely non-functional; hence, the support can be temporary. It is also relevant for patients who might benefit from enteral feeding soon, thus necessitating only a short-term intervention.

Using PPN for longer than 10 days or when a patient's caloric requirements exceed what can be delivered through a peripheral route is not advisable due to the risk of complications, including vein irritation or thrombophlebitis, as well as insufficient nutrient delivery. Therefore, the selection of PPN is particularly appropriate in those cases where short-term nutritional support is indicated while keeping safety and feasibility in mind.