What are the expected outcomes of proper parenteral nutrition?

Proper parenteral nutrition aims to address the specific nutritional needs of patients who cannot obtain adequate nutrition through oral intake or enteral feeding. The expected outcomes of this type of nutrition include promoting weight gain or maintaining a stable weight in patients, as well as supporting normal metabolic functioning. This is crucial for recovery, especially in patients with severe malnutrition, those undergoing surgery, or those with gastrointestinal disorders.

By providing essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, parenteral nutrition helps to ensure that patients receive sufficient protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which can lead to improved health status and recovery. Maintaining normal metabolic functioning is particularly important for patients since it can help prevent complications associated with malnutrition, such as delayed wound healing, impaired immune function, and muscle wasting.

While the other options may represent certain aspects of a patient's overall care experience, they do not directly encapsulate the primary outcomes of parenteral nutrition in a clinical setting.