Define cyclic feeding.

Define cyclic feeding.

• A. Cyclic feedings are delivered 24 hours a day
• B. Cyclic feedings are generally administered over 8-16 hours per day, depending on the patient's volume tolerance
• C. Cyclic feedings are delivered as a bolus over 15 minutes
• D. Cyclic feedings are never used

Answer: (B)

Cyclic feeding delivers enteral nutrition over a defined portion of the day rather than continuously. The feed is run during a limited daily window—often overnight—at a rate chosen to meet the patient’s needs within what their gut and overall tolerance can handle. This schedule can improve GI tolerance, allow a rest period off the tube during the day, and help with activities and sometimes glycemic control. It is different from feeding that goes on 24 hours straight or a rapid bolus feeding. So, feeding over a daily window with the duration tailored to volume tolerance best describes cyclic feeding.

Cyclic feeding delivers enteral nutrition over a defined portion of the day rather than continuously. The feed is run during a limited daily window—often overnight—at a rate chosen to meet the patient’s needs within what their gut and overall tolerance can handle. This schedule can improve GI tolerance, allow a rest period off the tube during the day, and help with activities and sometimes glycemic control. It is different from feeding that goes on 24 hours straight or a rapid bolus feeding. So, feeding over a daily window with the duration tailored to volume tolerance best describes cyclic feeding.