What does TPN stand for in medical terms?

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a medical technique used to supply all of a patient's nutritional needs intravenously. This method is particularly useful for patients who cannot ingest food by mouth due to various medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal tract disorders, severe malnutrition, or after certain surgeries.

In TPN, a sterile solution containing essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals is infused directly into the bloodstream, allowing the body to receive nutrition safely and effectively. It bypasses the digestive system entirely, which is why it is classified under "parenteral" nutrition—meaning that it does not utilize the gastrointestinal tract.

Understanding TPN is crucial for healthcare providers, particularly in settings where patients may have compromised nutrient absorption or require complete nutritional support for their recovery and health maintenance.