Nutrition Care for Individuals and GroupsDifficulty 2/5
A patient with a functioning gastrointestinal tract cannot meet needs orally after a stroke. What is the appropriate nutrition support?
- APeripheral parenteral nutrition until the swallow assessment is complete
- BEnteral nutrition, because the gut is functional and should be used
- CCentral parenteral nutrition to guarantee that full needs are met
- DOral supplements alone with monitoring of intake for another week
Show answer and rationale
Correct: B. When the gut works, it is used: enteral nutrition preserves gut integrity, carries fewer infectious and metabolic risks than parenteral routes and is the standard choice in this situation.
- A — Parenteral nutrition is not indicated when the gut is functional.
- C — Central access adds risk with no advantage over a working gut.
- D — Continuing oral supplements alone while intake is inadequate prolongs the deficit.