What is a common form of enteral nutrition delivery?

Bolus feeding is a common form of enteral nutrition delivery characterized by administering a specific volume of formula at scheduled intervals throughout the day, mimicking normal eating patterns. This approach is beneficial for patients who require nutritional support but still have some level of gastrointestinal function, as it allows the gut to process the nutrients in a way that is more natural than continuous feeding.

This method is often employed for individuals who are unable to consume food orally due to conditions like swallowing difficulties or certain gastrointestinal disorders. By delivering nutrition via bolus feeds, healthcare providers can facilitate better tolerance and manage the nutritional needs of patients effectively.

Oral supplements, while useful, are not classified as enteral nutrition if patients are unable to eat by mouth; they are more adjunctive. IV infusion and subcutaneous injection pertain to parenteral nutrition methods and are typically reserved for cases where the gastrointestinal tract is not functional, making them unsuitable comparisons for enteral feeding methods.