Which statement about cyclic feedings is true?

Which statement about cyclic feedings is true?

• A. Cyclic feedings require no monitoring
• B. Generally administered over 8-16 hours per day
• C. They are the same as continuous feeds
• D. Delivered continuously for 24 hours

Answer: (B)

Cyclic feedings involve delivering enteral nutrition over a fixed daily window rather than continuously around the clock. In practice, this is usually done over about 8 to 16 hours each day, often overnight, to provide steady energy while giving the patient a daily off-feed period. This approach helps mimic a more normal feeding pattern and can support GI function with a longer fasting period each day. They are not delivered continuously for 24 hours, which is what continuous feeds do. They are not the same as continuous feeds because there is a defined off period each day. They also require monitoring for tolerance, residuals, hydration, and metabolic balance, so the statement that they require no monitoring is incorrect.

Cyclic feedings involve delivering enteral nutrition over a fixed daily window rather than continuously around the clock. In practice, this is usually done over about 8 to 16 hours each day, often overnight, to provide steady energy while giving the patient a daily off-feed period. This approach helps mimic a more normal feeding pattern and can support GI function with a longer fasting period each day.

They are not delivered continuously for 24 hours, which is what continuous feeds do. They are not the same as continuous feeds because there is a defined off period each day. They also require monitoring for tolerance, residuals, hydration, and metabolic balance, so the statement that they require no monitoring is incorrect.