Which condition is explicitly listed as an indication for parenteral nutrition in the material?

Which condition is explicitly listed as an indication for parenteral nutrition in the material?

• A. High-output fistula
• B. Mild dehydration
• C. Obesity without malnutrition
• D. A functioning GI tract

Answer: (A)

Understanding when parenteral nutrition is needed hinges on recognizing situations where the gut cannot provide or absorb enough nutrients. Parenteral nutrition is used when the GI tract can’t meet a patient’s nutrient requirements, either because it’s nonfunctional or because losses or intolerance prevent adequate enteral feeding. A high-output fistula is a scenario where nutrients are lost externally through the fistula and the gut’s ability to deliver sufficient nutrition is compromised. In such cases, relying on the digestive tract alone often isn’t enough, so delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream helps meet energy and protein needs and supports healing while minimizing losses. Mild dehydration is addressed with fluids, not PN. Obesity without malnutrition isn’t an indication for PN, since the body can usually meet needs or normalize intake without intravenous nutrition. A functioning GI tract signals that enteral nutrition is feasible and preferred, making parenteral nutrition unnecessary.

Understanding when parenteral nutrition is needed hinges on recognizing situations where the gut cannot provide or absorb enough nutrients. Parenteral nutrition is used when the GI tract can’t meet a patient’s nutrient requirements, either because it’s nonfunctional or because losses or intolerance prevent adequate enteral feeding.

A high-output fistula is a scenario where nutrients are lost externally through the fistula and the gut’s ability to deliver sufficient nutrition is compromised. In such cases, relying on the digestive tract alone often isn’t enough, so delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream helps meet energy and protein needs and supports healing while minimizing losses.

Mild dehydration is addressed with fluids, not PN. Obesity without malnutrition isn’t an indication for PN, since the body can usually meet needs or normalize intake without intravenous nutrition. A functioning GI tract signals that enteral nutrition is feasible and preferred, making parenteral nutrition unnecessary.