Which enteral feeding method provides 240 mL of formula via a syringe over as few as 4-10 minutes?

Which enteral feeding method provides 240 mL of formula via a syringe over as few as 4-10 minutes?

• A. Intermittent feeding
• B. Cyclic feeding
• C. Bolus feeding
• D. Continuous feeding

Answer: (C)

This type of administration is the rapid, large-volume delivery via syringe, which defines bolus feeding. Delivering about 240 mL in a short window—as little as 4–10 minutes—mimics a meal and is intended for patients who can tolerate a quick, discrete dose. The syringe push allows a rapid, finite amount to be given at once, rather than a slow, ongoing flow. Intermittent feeding, by contrast, delivers feedings every few hours but each portion is given over a longer period (typically 15–60 minutes), not as a quick burst. Continuous feeding provides a constant, slow infusion over 24 hours using a pump, and cyclic feeding runs for part of the day at a steady rate, neither of which match the rapid syringe delivery described here.

This type of administration is the rapid, large-volume delivery via syringe, which defines bolus feeding. Delivering about 240 mL in a short window—as little as 4–10 minutes—mimics a meal and is intended for patients who can tolerate a quick, discrete dose. The syringe push allows a rapid, finite amount to be given at once, rather than a slow, ongoing flow.

Intermittent feeding, by contrast, delivers feedings every few hours but each portion is given over a longer period (typically 15–60 minutes), not as a quick burst. Continuous feeding provides a constant, slow infusion over 24 hours using a pump, and cyclic feeding runs for part of the day at a steady rate, neither of which match the rapid syringe delivery described here.