Enteral Nutrition

Question 1

When is enteral feeding needed?

Answer 1

When the body’y reserves of protein rapidly become exhausted in severely ill patients

Question 2

Give examples for when enteral feeding can be used?

Answer 2

Chronically ill patients
Severe burns 
Extensive trauma 
Pancreatitis 
Intestinal fistula 
When patients cannot feed normally:
- Severe facial injury 
- Oesophageal obstruction 
- Coma

Question 3

What specialist advice should be sought when starting enteral feeding?

Answer 3

The advice of a dietician should be sought to determine the protein and total energy requirement.

Question 4

When nutritionally complete feeds are given, what should be monitored?

Answer 4

Water and electrolyte balance. Haematological and biochemical parameters should be monitored, particularly in clinically unstable patients