Gastric feedings preferred whenever possible, more easily tolerated. Avoid in patients with high risk of aspiration. Enteral nutrition is a method of providing nutrition to the bod... Gastric feedings preferred whenever possible, more easily tolerated. Avoid in patients with high risk of aspiration. Enteral nutrition is a method of providing nutrition to the body through the gastrointestinal tract. Parenteral nutrition is a method of providing nutrients directly into a vein to bypass the digestive system. Selection based on patient’s age, size, feeding route, and formula viscosity. Formula selection factors include GI function, food allergies and sensitivities. Bolus feeding delivers a prescribed volume in fewer than 15 minutes. Continuous feeding involves smaller amounts continuously. Intermittent feeding provides large amounts several times per day. Tube feedings are typically used for ill individuals particularly vulnerable to infection from foodborne illness. Open feeding systems require formula to be transferred from original packaging to a feeding container, while closed feeding systems are prepackaged in ready-to-use containers. Administration of tube feedings is based on individual fluid needs. Most enteral formulas contain about 70 to 85% water, or about 700 to 850 mL of water per liter of formula. Transition to table foods should have oral intake supplying about two-thirds of nutrient needs before tube feedings are discontinued. Peripheral nutrition is located in the hand or forearm and delivers limited amounts for short periods of time. Central nutrition uses large diameter veins near the heart and can supply all of a patient’s nutrient needs for longer periods. Peripheral parenteral nutrition is limited to patients who do not have high nutrient needs or fluid restrictions. Parenteral solutions must be managed to avoid complications like air embolism. Planning home nutrition care, active individuals often prefer low-profile gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes. Read more