What it means
A lipid injectable emulsion that supplies calories and essential fatty acids in total parenteral nutritionTOH-tul puh-REN-ter-ul noo-TRISH-unComplete nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.par- beside, beyondenter/o intestine-al relating toFull entry . It may run as a separate bag or be mixed into a three-in-one bag. Possible problems include high triglycerides, infection (fat feeds bacteria) and, rarely, allergic reactions, since many products contain egg and soy.
For the nurse
Ask about egg and soy allergy. Use the right tubing and filter, change tubing as policy directs, and do not use a bag in which the emulsion has separated or looks oily. Check triglycerides as ordered. ISMP lists parenteral nutrition preparations as high-alert medications.
At a glance
| Drug class | parenteral nutrition product (lipid emulsion) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Intralipid, SMOFlipid, Clinolipid, Omegaven |
| Also written | fat emulsions, lipid emulsion, lipid emulsions, Intralipid, SMOFlipid, Clinolipid |
Related terms
total parenteral nutrition
Complete nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.
parenteral
Given by a route other than the digestive tract, usually by injection or into a vein.
catheter-related bloodstream infection
An infection of the blood that comes from germs entering through an intravenous catheter.