Which statement about vascular access devices for home PN is true?

Which statement about vascular access devices for home PN is true?

• A. VADs can be placed in peripheral veins
• B. VADs must be placed in the central venous system to accommodate hyperosmolar PN
• C. VADs are not required for home PN
• D. VAD placement is optional

Answer: (B)

Delivering parenteral nutrition that is highly concentrated requires central venous access. Peripheral veins can’t safely tolerate the high osmolality of PN and the long-term, high-rate infusions needed for nutrition support. Central veins provide rapid dilution in a large, high-flow pathway, reducing irritation, phlebitis, and infiltration and enabling the necessary infusion rate for a complete PN solution. That’s why home PN relies on a central vascular access device, such as a tunneled catheter or implanted port. Peripheral IVs or short-term lines aren’t suitable for long-term PN and aren’t appropriate for home PN.

Delivering parenteral nutrition that is highly concentrated requires central venous access. Peripheral veins can’t safely tolerate the high osmolality of PN and the long-term, high-rate infusions needed for nutrition support. Central veins provide rapid dilution in a large, high-flow pathway, reducing irritation, phlebitis, and infiltration and enabling the necessary infusion rate for a complete PN solution. That’s why home PN relies on a central vascular access device, such as a tunneled catheter or implanted port. Peripheral IVs or short-term lines aren’t suitable for long-term PN and aren’t appropriate for home PN.