Clinical Nutritionist Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is specifically indicated for adult patients who cannot obtain adequate nutrition through their gastrointestinal tract. Significant bowel dysfunction that lasts for more than 7-10 days can severely impair the ability to absorb nutrients, making it necessary to provide nutrition intravenously. Conditions such as bowel obstruction, severe inflammatory bowel disease, or short bowel syndrome can necessitate TPN because the intestines are unable to function properly to digest and absorb food.

TPN delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract entirely, which is critical in situations where the intestines are non-functional or when patients are unable to tolerate oral or enteral feeding. In this context, the necessity for TPN arises from the need to prevent malnutrition and support metabolic demands when the intestine is compromised.

The other options describe scenarios where TPN is generally not needed or appropriate. A good appetite typically indicates that oral or enteral feeding could be sufficient and effective, while recovery from minor surgeries usually allows for normal nutritional intake. If there are no signs of malnutrition, TPN would be unnecessary, as the individual may be receiving adequate nutrition from their diet or other means. Therefore, the first condition accurately highlights when TPN is warranted.