Which feeding method may be used for severe malnutrition?

Which feeding method may be used for severe malnutrition?

• A. Intravenous feeding
• B. Enteral feeding
• C. Oral rehydration
• D. Total parenteral nutrition

Answer: (B)

Using the gastrointestinal tract to provide nutrition is preferred when the gut can tolerate feeds, because it preserves gut function, supports the gut microbiome, and carries fewer risks than bypassing the gut. Enteral feeding includes both oral intake and tube-assisted feeding and is the approach commonly used for severe malnutrition when the gut is working. It allows calories and nutrients to be delivered safely and cost-effectively, and it supports faster recovery and fewer infections compared with methods that go straight into the bloodstream. Intravenous feeding bypasses the gut and is reserved for situations where the gut cannot be used; it carries higher risks of infection and metabolic complications. Oral rehydration manages fluids and electrolytes but doesn’t provide the nutrition needed to treat malnutrition. Total parenteral nutrition is a form of intravenous nutrition used when the gut cannot be used, but it is not the first choice for severe malnutrition due to higher risk and complexity.

Using the gastrointestinal tract to provide nutrition is preferred when the gut can tolerate feeds, because it preserves gut function, supports the gut microbiome, and carries fewer risks than bypassing the gut. Enteral feeding includes both oral intake and tube-assisted feeding and is the approach commonly used for severe malnutrition when the gut is working. It allows calories and nutrients to be delivered safely and cost-effectively, and it supports faster recovery and fewer infections compared with methods that go straight into the bloodstream. Intravenous feeding bypasses the gut and is reserved for situations where the gut cannot be used; it carries higher risks of infection and metabolic complications. Oral rehydration manages fluids and electrolytes but doesn’t provide the nutrition needed to treat malnutrition. Total parenteral nutrition is a form of intravenous nutrition used when the gut cannot be used, but it is not the first choice for severe malnutrition due to higher risk and complexity.