The provider calculates the enteral nutrition needs for a non-ambulatory patient and determines that the patient will need 300 mL of a polymeric formula every 4 hours. Which method of delivery will the nurse use to administer these feedings?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best choice for administering 300 mL every 4 hours would be option B, which involves using an enteral pump as a 45-minute infusion. This method is more accurate than gravity infusion because it ensures a constant flow rate and reduces the risk of complications such as aspiration, diarrhea or delayed gastric emptying. Option A would not be the best choice because a 10-minute bolus is too fast and may cause discomfort for the patient. Option C would be too slow, delivering only 180 mL over 2.4 hours, which is less than the required amount. Option D would also be too slow and would require too many interruptions every 2 hours.

The Provider Calculates the Enteral Nutrition Needs for a Non-Ambulatory