Constipation in the enterally fed patient is most often associated with all of the following EXCEPT:

Constipation in the enterally fed patient is most often associated with all of the following EXCEPT:

• A. obstruction
• B. rapid or bolus infusion
• C. lack of adequate hydration
• D. prolonged bed rest

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that constipation in someone receiving enteral nutrition usually comes from slowed gut transit. This happens with inadequate fluids, immobility from prolonged bed rest, and any obstruction that blocks stool passage. Medications like opioids can also slow motility and contribute to constipation. Rapid or bolus infusion, on the other hand, tends to cause feeding intolerance such as cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea rather than constipation, because delivering formula quickly can overwhelm the gut’s capacity and water balance. So the rate or method of feeding is more likely to cause intolerance than hard, infrequent stools, making rapid or bolus infusion the exception. In practice, ensure adequate hydration, monitor for signs of obstruction or intolerance, and adjust the feeding rate and regimen as needed.

The main idea here is that constipation in someone receiving enteral nutrition usually comes from slowed gut transit. This happens with inadequate fluids, immobility from prolonged bed rest, and any obstruction that blocks stool passage. Medications like opioids can also slow motility and contribute to constipation. Rapid or bolus infusion, on the other hand, tends to cause feeding intolerance such as cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea rather than constipation, because delivering formula quickly can overwhelm the gut’s capacity and water balance. So the rate or method of feeding is more likely to cause intolerance than hard, infrequent stools, making rapid or bolus infusion the exception. In practice, ensure adequate hydration, monitor for signs of obstruction or intolerance, and adjust the feeding rate and regimen as needed.