Gastrointestinal System Disorders Q 248

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Your patient has a GI tract that is functioning, but has the inability to swallow foods. Which is the preferred method of feeding for your patient?

  

    A. TPN

    B. PPN

    C. NG feeding

    D. Oral liquid supplements

    

    

Correct Answer: C. NG feeding

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Because the GI tract is functioning, feeding methods involve the enteral route which bypasses the mouth but allows for a major portion of the GI tract to be used. Nasogastric tubes can be placed to administer medications or nutrition in patients who have a functional gastrointestinal tract but are unable to tolerate oral intake. This is most common in patients who have suffered a stroke or other malady, which has left them unable to swallow effectively.

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Option A: Parenteral nutrition is the intravenous administration of nutrition outside of the gastrointestinal tract. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is when the IV administered nutrition is the only source of nutrition the patient is receiving. Total parenteral nutrition is indicated when there is an inadequate gastrointestinal function and contraindications to enteral nutrition.

Option B: Enteral diet intake is preferred over parenteral as it is inexpensive and associated with fewer complications such as infection and blood clots but requires a functional GI system.

Option D: Nasogastric tubes may be placed for nutritional support while waiting to see how much function the patient will recover, and if the patient does not recover their swallowing ability or will otherwise require long term nutritional support, then a more permanent feeding tube should be placed such as gastrostomy or jejunostomy feeding tube.

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