[The meaning of parenteral nutrition for the hospitalized patient]

The need to understand the meaning of parenteral nutrition to the client in hospital context has come from my personal questioning on nursing care. Participative observations have been made as well as interviews and diligences with seven clients in hospital, who have been having parental nutrition. These information have been analysed through interactive approach, showing the situation faced by patients who have hospital assistance; how they say parental nutrition within this context; and what meaning has been given to it. This study revealed feelings, behaviours and attitudes related to the biological, emotional and social cultural aspects of the patient. All of them have been linked to parental nutrition. The limits faced by parental nutrition and its obstacles in the nursing assistance were finally understood.