tpn vs glucose iv for nutrition?

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smillas

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Pt quit eating 2 weeks ago and family was told he would be scheduled for a peg. meanwhile he is on an iv glucose infusion. Why wouldn't they give pt a tpn to keep him strong for the peg procedure. (pt pulled out all ngt's. ) Are they the md's hoping he will die before the peg procedure? thus not telling the family about the tpn(total parenteral nutrition) I told them tonight and they will inquire tomorrow. I just want to make sure they are not lied to.
 
You don't say how old the patient is. It could be a matter of economics (even though it shouldn't). Does he have insurance or medicaid? A special IV must be inserted by a surgeon or specially trained personnel to give TPN. It can't be given through just a regular IV. The the TPN itself can cost about $1500 per bag and the bag has to be replaced daily. If he keeps pulling out the ngt's what is to prevent him from pulling out a peg? Is this pt. mentally capable of making decisions? What is his prognosis? Does he have a Living Will?
 
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