Grant is in a coma following a motor vehicle accident.The nurse recognizes that the most appropriate way to feed her is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A tube feeding would be the most appropriate way to feed Grant as he is unable to consume food or drink orally due to his coma. TPN and PPN are both forms of parenteral nutrition that would require invasive procedures such as the placement of a central line, which may not be necessary or appropriate for Grant's current condition. Enteral supplements may not provide the complete and balanced nutrition that Grant needs and may not be appropriate for his current level of consciousness. Since Grant is in a coma, he is not able to swallow and functionally require nutrition support through a feeding tube. TPN and PPN are not appropriate as they are used when the gut is not functioning, whereas in this case, only Grant's ability to swallow is compromised. An enteral supplement may not provide sufficient nutrition if the patient is unable to tolerate enough volume or if there is an issue with digestion and absorption, so tube feeding is the most appropriate way to meet the patient's nutritional needs.

Grant Is in a Coma Following a Motor Vehicle Accident