Which statement about gastric feeding is true?

Which statement about gastric feeding is true?

• A. It cannot be delivered by pump.
• B. It is always used for critically ill patients.
• C. It eliminates diarrhea.
• D. It can be given by bolus or intermittent gravity methods.

Answer: (D)

Gastric feeding can be delivered through multiple administration methods, including using a feeding pump for continuous delivery and using gravity for intermittent bolus feeds. The true statement reflects this versatility: feeds can be given by bolus or intermittent gravity methods, not just by pump. This approach is common because it mimics regular meals and can be practical in different settings, from hospital to home, while still targeting the stomach as the reservoir. It’s not limited to critically ill patients, and it doesn’t inherently eliminate diarrhea. Diarrhea can occur with any enteral feeding due to factors like formula osmolality, rate of delivery, infection, or malabsorption, so those statements aren’t accurate.

Gastric feeding can be delivered through multiple administration methods, including using a feeding pump for continuous delivery and using gravity for intermittent bolus feeds. The true statement reflects this versatility: feeds can be given by bolus or intermittent gravity methods, not just by pump. This approach is common because it mimics regular meals and can be practical in different settings, from hospital to home, while still targeting the stomach as the reservoir.

It’s not limited to critically ill patients, and it doesn’t inherently eliminate diarrhea. Diarrhea can occur with any enteral feeding due to factors like formula osmolality, rate of delivery, infection, or malabsorption, so those statements aren’t accurate.