Continuous feeding in critically ill patients may decrease aspiration risk by preventing gastric distention.

Continuous feeding in critically ill patients may decrease aspiration risk by preventing gastric distention.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in pediatric patients
• D. Only with bolus feeding

Answer: (A)

Continuous feeding reduces gastric distention by delivering nutrition at a slow, steady rate, preventing large spikes in gastric volume. In critically ill patients, delayed gastric emptying and impaired protective reflexes mean that big, rapid volumes can markedly increase intragastric pressure and promote reflux into the esophagus and airway. By keeping gastric volume more constant and lower, continuous feeding lowers the likelihood of regurgitation and aspiration. This benefit is not limited to pediatric patients; bolus feeding tends to cause greater distention and higher aspiration risk, whereas continuous delivery mitigates that risk.

Continuous feeding reduces gastric distention by delivering nutrition at a slow, steady rate, preventing large spikes in gastric volume. In critically ill patients, delayed gastric emptying and impaired protective reflexes mean that big, rapid volumes can markedly increase intragastric pressure and promote reflux into the esophagus and airway. By keeping gastric volume more constant and lower, continuous feeding lowers the likelihood of regurgitation and aspiration. This benefit is not limited to pediatric patients; bolus feeding tends to cause greater distention and higher aspiration risk, whereas continuous delivery mitigates that risk.