Enteral Nutrition Basics
EN is generally preferred over PN if the GI tract is functional because it maintains this.
What is gut integrity?
A patient complains of bloating after starting feeds at full pump rate. What are your first steps?
What is slow the rate and check for constipation?
ASPEN advises against mixing medications directly into formula because it can cause these two problems.
What are clogging and drug–nutrient interactions?
Your patient’s tube is clogged. Name safe unclogging methods.
What are warm water flushes, gentle back-and-forth with a syringe, or commercial declogging enzymes (not soda or acidic juices)?
The standard “hang time” for an open system with formula is this many hours.
What is 4 hours?
Name one advantage and one disadvantage of blenderized tube feeding.
Advantages: more whole foods/variety, increased phytonutrients, customizable, may improve tolerance, lower cost, supports gut microbiome. Disadvantages: higher viscosity/clogging, potential nutrient imbalance, prep time, food safety concerns.
The maximum hang time for a sterile closed system formula is this many hours.
What is 24–48 hours (per ASPEN)?
Name one non-electrolyte sign or symptom that can develop during refeeding syndrome.
What is fluid overload/edema, cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory failure, or neurologic symptoms?
Water flushes should generally be given every this many hours during continuous EN to maintain tube patency.
What is every 4 hours?
According to ASPEN, what are two criteria indicating significant risk for refeeding syndrome?
BMI <16 kg/m²; weight loss ≥7.5% in 3 months or >10% in 6 months; negligible intake >7 days or <50% of needs >5 days during acute illness or >1 month; abnormal prefeeding electrolytes; severe loss of fat or muscle mass.