Which statement about EN formula safety is most accurate?

Which statement about EN formula safety is most accurate?

• A. Open-system administration sets should be changed every 24 hours.
• B. Closed-system administration sets should be changed every 48 hours.
• C. Breast milk should be hung for 24 hours.
• D. Powdered formulas do not require refrigeration.

Answer: (A)

In enteral feeding safety, preventing infection hinges on how often you change the delivery system and how feeds are stored. Open-system administration sets are exposed to the environment, so changing them every 24 hours helps minimize bacterial contamination and biofilm formation, keeping the delivered nutrition safer for the patient. By contrast, closed-system sets are sealed and can last longer (often about 48 hours) because the sterile barrier reduces contamination risk, but the key point here is that open systems require daily changes. The other statements aren’t accurate: expressed breast milk isn’t kept at room temperature for 24 hours (room temperature safety is typically about 4 hours); and powdered formula is dry before mixing but, once prepared, must be refrigerated and used within a short time, not left unrefrigerated.

In enteral feeding safety, preventing infection hinges on how often you change the delivery system and how feeds are stored. Open-system administration sets are exposed to the environment, so changing them every 24 hours helps minimize bacterial contamination and biofilm formation, keeping the delivered nutrition safer for the patient. By contrast, closed-system sets are sealed and can last longer (often about 48 hours) because the sterile barrier reduces contamination risk, but the key point here is that open systems require daily changes. The other statements aren’t accurate: expressed breast milk isn’t kept at room temperature for 24 hours (room temperature safety is typically about 4 hours); and powdered formula is dry before mixing but, once prepared, must be refrigerated and used within a short time, not left unrefrigerated.