What is the purpose of adding heparin to a patient's PN solution?

Adding heparin to a patient's total parenteral nutrition (PN) solution primarily serves the purpose of preventing fibrin buildup on the catheter tip. In patients receiving intravenous nutrition, there is a potential risk of catheter-related complications, including the formation of fibrin sheaths. These sheaths can obstruct blood flow and increase the risk of infection or other complications associated with intravenous access.

By incorporating heparin into the PN solution, the anticoagulant properties of heparin help to minimize these risks. Heparin works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots, which ultimately helps to maintain catheter patency and promotes better blood flow. This is crucial when catheters remain in place for extended periods, as is often the case with PN therapy.

The other purposes mentioned in the choices, such as improving blood flow, facilitating insulin absorption, or lowering cholesterol levels, do not directly relate to the primary function of heparin in this context. While heparin may influence blood flow indirectly, its primary role in PN solutions is specifically to prevent complications associated with catheter use.