Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can be administered at home to motivated patients with proper education and caregiver support. TPN should be refrigerated when not in use, and allowed to come to room temperature for 2 to 4 hours before administration. TPN should not be stored at room temperature, nor should it ever be put in the microwave. Proper hand hygiene should be followed by anyone administering TPN. This includes washing and drying hands plus use of an antibacterial hand sanitizer. Patients should be instructed to look for abnormal reactions to TPN. These include excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, fever, signs of infection at the insertion site, sudden onset of chest pain or heart palpitations. If any of these occur, the healthcare provider should be notified as soon as possible.