In which situation is enteral feeding most appropriate?

• A. When the patient cannot swallow but has a functioning GI tract
• B. When the patient has a complete intestinal obstruction
• C. When the patient requires immediate ICU care
• D. When the patient can eat normally

Answer: (A)

Enteral feeding uses the gastrointestinal tract to deliver nutrients, preserving gut function and lowering infection risk compared with parenteral nutrition. It is most appropriate when the patient cannot swallow but the GI tract is functioning, so nutrients can be delivered through a tube into the stomach or small intestine. If there is a complete intestinal obstruction, nutrients cannot pass through the gut, making enteral feeding unsafe or impossible until the obstruction is resolved. Requiring immediate ICU care doesn’t dictate the feeding route by itself, and if the patient can eat normally, oral feeding is preferred over tube feeding.