Describe the use of an automated compounder in managing a nutrition prescription. Also, list advantages and disadvantages of pharmacy compounding.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Automated compounders can be used to manufacture nutrient solutions that combine dextrose and amino acids (two-in-one formulas) or dextrose, amino acids, and lipids (three-in-one formulas). PN can be provided in either a two-in-one or three-in-one system, and each system has both advantages and disadvantages. In the two-in-one system, lipids are added separately based on the available container sizes (100 mL, 250 mL, or 500 mL). This system provides a greater degree of flexibility in the amounts of dextrose and amino acids that can be given. A disadvantage of the two-in-one system is the need for an additional administration set (intravenous tubing and other devices required for the delivery of parenteral nutrition) for the lipids. The three-in-one system requires a single administration set, which saves nursing time and reduces costs. On the other hand, the addition of lipids with the three-in-one system results in an opaque solution, which obscures precipitate and increases the risk of particulate being infused into the patient. The addition of lipid into the three-in-one solution limits the electrolytes and ?nal concentration of amino acids in the solution.