What is the preferred method of feeding in the small bowel?

What is the preferred method of feeding in the small bowel?

• A. Continuous feeding
• B. Bolus feeding
• C. Gravity feeding
• D. Intermittent drip feeding

Answer: (A)

Delivering enteral nutrition into the small bowel is best done as a continuous infusion. The small intestine tolerates a steady, slow flow better than a rapid bolus, so continuous feeding minimizes abrupt osmotic loads and distension that can lead to cramping, nausea, or diarrhea and improves overall tolerance and nutrient absorption. A large bolus enters the lumen all at once, which the small bowel may not handle well, increasing intolerance. Intermittent drip feeding sits between continuous and bolus, but it still creates peaks and troughs in delivery and can be less well tolerated in the small bowel, especially early or in unstable patients. Continuous feeding thus provides smoother delivery, better tolerance, and more reliable caloric delivery for small-bowel feeding.

Delivering enteral nutrition into the small bowel is best done as a continuous infusion. The small intestine tolerates a steady, slow flow better than a rapid bolus, so continuous feeding minimizes abrupt osmotic loads and distension that can lead to cramping, nausea, or diarrhea and improves overall tolerance and nutrient absorption. A large bolus enters the lumen all at once, which the small bowel may not handle well, increasing intolerance. Intermittent drip feeding sits between continuous and bolus, but it still creates peaks and troughs in delivery and can be less well tolerated in the small bowel, especially early or in unstable patients. Continuous feeding thus provides smoother delivery, better tolerance, and more reliable caloric delivery for small-bowel feeding.