Abstract
Ordering parenteral nutrition (PN) that is nutritionally appropriate, pharmacy acceptable, and physically compatible can be complex and time consuming. The Nutrition Support Service at Primary Children's Medical Center has developed a user-friendly, single-screen computer program for prescribing individualized PN orders for pediatric patients based on weight and nutrient requirements. Educational windows define dosage guidelines and unacceptable parameters. An internal surveillance process identifies incompatibilities resulting from calcium and phosphate concentrations, fluid restrictions, dosages, and cation and anion imbalances. An incompatible solution is prevented and corrected before it is compounded. The completed PN order generates a medical order, pharmacy order documentation sheet, compounding document, and label. The stored PN order interfaces directly with an automated system for compounding without physical manipulation. The computerized worksheet enhances efficient ordering of individualized nutrition therapy, reduces incompatibilities, ensures accurate compounding, and reduces staff time to order and compound PN.
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