An infant with short bowel syndrome is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN).The practitioner has added continuous enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube.The nurse recognizes this as important for which reason?
A) Wean the infant from TPN the next day
B) Stimulate adaptation of the small intestine
C) Give additional nutrients that cannot be included in the TPN
D) Provide parents with hope that the child is close to discharge

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Long-term survival without TPN depends on the small intestine's ability to increase its absorptive capacity.Continuous enteral feedings facilitate the adaptation.TPN is indicated until the child is able to receive all nutrition via the enteral route.Before this is accomplished,the small intestine must adapt and increase in cell number and cell mass per villus column.TPN is formulated to meet the infant's nutritional needs.Continuous enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube is a positive sign,but the infant's ability to tolerate increasing amounts of enteral nutrition is only one factor that determines readiness for discharge.

An Infant with Short Bowel Syndrome Is Receiving Total Parenteral