Which statement defines intermittent feedings?

Which statement defines intermittent feedings?

• A. Delivered at a prescribed rate without interruption
• B. Generally administered over 8-16 hours per day
• C. Generally an amount of 240-480 mL administered over 45 minutes several times daily with or without feeding pump
• D. Generally an amount of 250-480 mL delivered by gravity or a syringe over 15 minutes into the stomach

Answer: (C)

Intermittent feedings are given in separate portions at set times, rather than as a continuous drip over 24 hours. The description of delivering about 240–480 mL over roughly 45 minutes, several times a day (with or without a feeding pump) captures this pattern of multiple timed meals rather than a constant infusion. In contrast, continuous feeding is delivered at a steady rate with no interruption, typically over 24 hours. Bolus feeding delivers a larger volume quickly, such as 250–480 mL by gravity or syringe in about 15 minutes. Nocturnal or cyclic feeding distributes feedings over a longer block like 8–16 hours, usually overnight.

Intermittent feedings are given in separate portions at set times, rather than as a continuous drip over 24 hours. The description of delivering about 240–480 mL over roughly 45 minutes, several times a day (with or without a feeding pump) captures this pattern of multiple timed meals rather than a constant infusion.

In contrast, continuous feeding is delivered at a steady rate with no interruption, typically over 24 hours. Bolus feeding delivers a larger volume quickly, such as 250–480 mL by gravity or syringe in about 15 minutes. Nocturnal or cyclic feeding distributes feedings over a longer block like 8–16 hours, usually overnight.