First of all, hi! I've been reading these forums for a long time, but this is my first post. I am relatively new to nursing, and I have a few questions.
I recently started working as a unit secretary, and I was entering some pre-printed orders (no, this facility isn't paperless yet!) into the computer, and I saw the TPN/PPN orders. The order sheet is basically a bunch of boxes where you can have a standard formula or enter certain amounts of the TPN or PPN components. I didn't really understand the difference between the two. I'm too nervous to bother the nurses at work to ask them this, and we're nowhere near this in my classes yet. But I'm very curious. What is the difference between TPN and PPN? Why can you only give TPN through a central line? What would happen if you gave it through a peripheral IV or a midline?
Also, I thought I heard someone say that you can't give vancomycin through a midline. Why is that? If it can go through a central line or a peripheral, why not a midline? Would you be able to give chemotherapy or any other harsh drugs through a midline?
TIA for all answers, and NO, THIS IS NOT HOMEWORK!!!! I'm just too scared to ask anyone at work because I feel like I should be able to figure it out for myself!!! :imbar
