There are relatively few contraindications to parenteral nutrition in a patient requiring nutritional support.
Parenteral nutrition is not indicated if:
(1) enteral access is available and capable of meeting all nutritional needs
(2) nutritional support is not indicated (nutritional status good with very short need)
(3) death is imminent and irreversible
Initiation of parenteral nutrition may be delayed in a critically-ill patient who is highly unstable.
Contraindications to parenteral nutrition may include:
(1) inability to obtain adequate vascular access
(2) inappropriate clinical situation (unable to perform safely)
(3) refusal of patient to consent
(4) infant with less than 8 cm of small bowel
