Question

Parental Nutrition (PN) solution provides protein, carbohydrate, fat, electrolytes, vitamins, and trace elements in sterile water. Discuss each of these compostion of (PN).

Answer 1

The constituents of PN are either compounded or mixed in the hospital either in the pharmacy or special equipment. This solution is based on patient's nutritional and fluid requirements.It is available in two forms ,two in one ( dextrose and amino acids) or three in one ( dextrose, amino acids, lipids). It is usually packed for 24 hour supply.

CONSTITUENTS OF PARENTERAL NUTRITION

a)Protein:It is a solution containing essential and non essential amino acids at a range of 3 - 15% of concentrated amino acids providing about 30- 150g of protein.

b) Carbohydrates:It is mainly used as dextrose which provides 3.4 cal/g.It is mainly available in concentration ranging from 5%-70% providing 50-700g. The amount of PN recommended is 100- 125g/g for adults.

c)Fats:Lipid emulsions are often added to supply essential fatty acids and triglycerides; 20 to 30% of total calories are usually supplied as lipids.

d)Electrolytes:

Sodium:Sodium is the main extracellular electrolyte. Approximately 95% of total body sodium can be
found in the ECF. Sodium functions to regulate body fluid volume and electrical cell
membrane potential, and is involved in the active transport of various substances in and out of
cells.

Potassium:
Potassium is the main intracellular cation and is needed for neurologic function, vascular tone,
muscle contraction, maintenance of cellular volume, pH regulation, glycogen and protein
synthesis, enzyme activity, and resting cell membrane potential.