The document discusses enteral and parenteral nutrition support. Enteral nutrition involves tube feedings directly into the stomach or small intestine and is preferred over parenteral nutrition which provides nutrients intravenously. Tube feedings are used when patients cannot consume a normal diet due to conditions like swallowing disorders or impaired GI motility. Parenteral nutrition is used when the GI tract cannot be used, such as in cases of intestinal fistulas or short bowel syndrome. Complications can be reduced by appropriate selections of feeding route, formula, and delivery method.
Figure 15-4 Accessing Central Veins for Total Parenteral Nutrition
Traditionally, central catheters enter the circulation at the right subclavian vein and are threaded into the superior vena cava with the tip of the catheter lying close to the heart. Sometimes catheters are threaded into the superior vena cava from the left subclavian vein, the internal jugular vein, or the external jugular vein.
Peripherally inserted central catheters usually enter the circulation at the basilic or cephalic vein and are guided up toward the heart so that the catheter tip rests in the superior vena cava.
Table 15-3 Potential Complications of Parenteral Nutrition