Which statement best describes cyclic feeding?

Which statement best describes cyclic feeding?

• A. Cyclic feeding is delivered at a constant rate for 24 hours
• B. Cyclic feeding is delivered as a bolus over 15 minutes
• C. Cyclic feeding is delivered by pressure-driven pump intermittently every hour
• D. Cyclic feeding is generally administered over 8-16 hours per day, depending on the patient’s volume tolerance

Answer: (D)

Cyclic feeding means delivering enteral nutrition in a limited daily window rather than continuously around the clock. This approach uses a pump to run the formula for a defined block of time each day, typically 8 to 16 hours, depending on how well the patient tolerates the volume. It differs from continuous feeding, which runs 24 hours a day, and from bolus or hourly intermittent delivery, which administers short portions rather than a sustained daily cycle. Therefore, the statement that best describes cyclic feeding is that it is generally administered over 8-16 hours per day, depending on the patient’s volume tolerance. This method helps meet nutritional goals while allowing periods off feeding for rest or other therapies.

Cyclic feeding means delivering enteral nutrition in a limited daily window rather than continuously around the clock. This approach uses a pump to run the formula for a defined block of time each day, typically 8 to 16 hours, depending on how well the patient tolerates the volume. It differs from continuous feeding, which runs 24 hours a day, and from bolus or hourly intermittent delivery, which administers short portions rather than a sustained daily cycle. Therefore, the statement that best describes cyclic feeding is that it is generally administered over 8-16 hours per day, depending on the patient’s volume tolerance. This method helps meet nutritional goals while allowing periods off feeding for rest or other therapies.