Parenteral nutrition (PN) serves as an important therapeutic modality that is used in adults, children, and infants for a variety of indications. The appropriate use of this complex therapy aims to maximize clinical benefit while minimizing the potential risks for adverse events. Complications can occur as a result of the therapy and as the result of the PN process. Despite being classified and acknowledged as a high-alert medication, only 58% of organizations have precautions in place to prevent errors and patient harm associated with PN. These consensus recommendations are based on practices that are generally accepted to minimize errors with PN therapy, categorized in the areas of PN prescribing, order review and verification, compounding, and administration. These recommendations should be used in conjunction with other ASPEN publications and researchers should consider studying the questions brought forth in this document.
Read Parenteral Nutrition Safety Consensus Recommendations
Table of Contents
Prescribing and Communicating the Parenteral Nutrition Order
Parenteral Nutrition Order Review and Verification Process
Compounding
Parenteral Nutrition Administration
2014 ASPEN Clinical Guidelines: Parenteral Nutrition Ordering, Order Review, Compounding, Labeling, and Dispensing
Safety Checklists
Prescribing and Communicating the Parenteral Nutrition Order
Parenteral Nutrition Order Review and Verification Process
Parenteral Nutrition Compounding
Parenteral Nutrition Administration
How to Make Changes in Your Institution
These materials will help you present these safety recommendations to your institution or agency
PN Safety Preparation Checklist
PN Prescribing and Labelling
PN Safety Order and Label Templates