Final answer:
The answer to the student's question is d. total parenteral nutrition, which is the intravenous administration of all nutrient requirements for patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is used when oral or enteral methods are not possible, often under medical supervision in a healthcare setting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is d. total parenteral nutrition. This method refers to the intravenous administration of nutrients, which is used when a patient's gastrointestinal tract is not functioning properly, and they cannot absorb nutrients by normal oral or enteral means. Total parenteral nutrition is designed to provide all the necessary nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals directly into the bloodstream.
As for other medical treatments, in cases where a medication is not easily absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or a patient cannot take medications orally due to illness (e.g., vomiting, intubation), the parenteral route of administration is preferred, and this usually requires healthcare setting intervention. Common parenteral routes include intravenous and intramuscular injections. For systemic infections, oral and parenteral (including intravenous) routes can be convenient for home administration if the oral route is suitable.
Drugs used for treating diseases of the intestinal tract, such as tapeworms or bowel decontamination, are often ones that are not absorbed by the GI tract and are administered orally so they act directly in the intestines. For any treatment, professional medical supervision is key to ensure patient safety.