A 21-year-old athlete who has a nonfunctional gastrointestinal tract is scheduled for major gastric surgery in 3 weeks. His energy and nutrient needs are higher than those of the average person his age, but his fluid intake is restricted. What would be the preferred method of feeding for this patient in order to keep him well nourished until surgery?

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Total parenteral nutrition would be the preferred method of feeding for this patient as his gastrointestinal tract is nonfunctional and his energy and nutrient needs are higher than those of the average person his age. Additionally, his fluid intake is restricted, so intravenous nutrition would be necessary to meet his needs. Clear liquids and mechanically soft diets would not provide adequate nutrients for his increased needs, and peripheral parenteral nutrition may not be sufficient for his needs and could also cause vein irritation.

A 21-Year-Old Athlete Who Has a Nonfunctional Gastrointestinal Tract Is