When transitioning a patient from hospital to home parenteral nutrition (HPN) support, which screening criterion should be included?

• A. A caregiver
• B. Presence of electricity and sanitary water supply in the home
• C. Transportation needed to make it to lab draws
• D. Cellular telephone access

Answer: (B)

Ensuring the home environment can safely support parenteral nutrition delivery is the key. The most critical screening criterion is the presence of reliable electricity and a sanitary water supply. Electricity powers the infusion pump and any refrigeration needed to keep PN solutions properly stored, while clean, sanitary water (and good hand hygiene practices) is essential for safe line care, cleaning, and infection prevention. Without these fundamentals, even with trained caregivers and access to labs, the risk of pump failure, solution contamination, or catheter infection is greatly increased. Other factors like having a caregiver, transportation for labs, or phone access matter for ongoing care, but they don’t address the essential safety infrastructure required for home PN.