In the home PN environment, what is the role of a back-up battery-powered infusion pump?

• A. To power the infusion pump during power outages
• B. To replace the primary infusion pump
• C. For medication storage
• D. For room lighting

Answer: (A)

The main idea is maintaining continuous PN delivery when power fails. In home parenteral nutrition, the pump must keep delivering nutrients at a prescribed rate, and a back-up battery-powered infusion pump is there to supply power during outages so the infusion doesn’t stop. This prevents interruptions that could compromise nutrition, fluid balance, and patient safety while power is restored or a replacement device is arranged.

It isn’t meant to replace the primary pump during normal operation, nor is it a storage device for medications, and it doesn’t serve lighting needs. Its sole role is to ensure the infusion continues without interruption when the main power source is unavailable.