Short Case-study
Devon Young is a 30-year-old single male who exercises and follows a healthy diet. His physician admits Devon to the medical-surgical unit for evaluation of reported symptoms of poor appetite, constipation, nausea, and vomiting for 3 days.
-After surgery, Devon remains on ventilator support but his gut function is improving. The doctor should initiate ____.

Question

Short Case-study  
Devon Young is a 30-year-old single male who exercises and follows a healthy diet. His physician admits Devon to the medical-surgical unit for evaluation of reported symptoms of poor appetite, constipation, nausea, and vomiting for 3 days.
-After surgery, Devon remains on ventilator support but his gut function is improving. The doctor should initiate ____.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since Devon has poor appetite, constipation, nausea, and vomiting, it is likely that he is experiencing gastrointestinal distress which makes it difficult for him to eat and digest food properly. For this reason, elemental tube feeding may be the best option for him as it allows for the direct delivery of nutrients to the small intestine, bypassing the stomach, and decreasing the likelihood of further gastrointestinal symptoms. A clear liquid or soft diet may be insufficient for providing the nutrients and calories Devon needs to support his recovery while on ventilator support. PPN (peripheral parenteral nutrition) may be considered if oral or enteral feeding is not possible, but it is a less desirable option due to the risk of infection and other complications associated with central venous access.

Short Case-Study Devon Young Is a 30-Year-Old Single Male Who Exercises and Who