Which description matches parenteral nutrition?

Which description matches parenteral nutrition?

• A. Nutritional feeding through the vein
• B. Nutritional feeding via tube into GI
• C. Nutrition by mouth
• D. Nutrition via rectum

Answer: (A)

Parenteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. This is usually done through a vein via a central venous catheter, providing calories, amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals when the gut cannot absorb or tolerate food. This contrasts with feeding through a tube into the GI tract (enteral nutrition), eating or drinking by mouth, or administering nutrition via the rectum, which are not parenteral methods. Therefore, nutritional feeding through the vein best matches parenteral nutrition.

Parenteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. This is usually done through a vein via a central venous catheter, providing calories, amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals when the gut cannot absorb or tolerate food. This contrasts with feeding through a tube into the GI tract (enteral nutrition), eating or drinking by mouth, or administering nutrition via the rectum, which are not parenteral methods. Therefore, nutritional feeding through the vein best matches parenteral nutrition.