In medical terms, PN stands for ‘Parenteral Nutrition.’ Parenteral Nutrition refers to the intravenous administration of nutrients to patients who cannot eat or absorb enough food through their digestive system. This method bypasses the usual process of eating and digestion, delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream.
Parenteral Nutrition is often used for patients with severe gastrointestinal issues, such as Crohn’s disease, short bowel syndrome, or those recovering from major surgeries. It provides essential nutrients like glucose, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals, ensuring the patient receives the necessary sustenance to maintain health and support recovery.
There are two main types of Parenteral Nutrition: Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN). TPN provides all the patient’s daily nutritional requirements, while PPN supplements oral intake when the patient can eat but not enough to meet their nutritional needs.