How much formula should be poured into an open administration set?

How much formula should be poured into an open administration set?

• A. 2-4 hour supply.
• B. 4-6 hour supply.
• C. 8-12 hour supply.
• D. 24 hour supply.

Answer: (C)

Open administration sets expose formula to air and potential contaminants, so you must minimize how long the formula remains in the system. In practice, an open enteral feeding setup is replaced after about 8–12 hours to limit bacterial growth and maintain formula safety. Choosing a shorter window would be unnecessarily disruptive, while extending beyond 12 hours increases infection risk. Therefore, 8–12 hours is the appropriate guideline for an open system.

Open administration sets expose formula to air and potential contaminants, so you must minimize how long the formula remains in the system. In practice, an open enteral feeding setup is replaced after about 8–12 hours to limit bacterial growth and maintain formula safety. Choosing a shorter window would be unnecessarily disruptive, while extending beyond 12 hours increases infection risk. Therefore, 8–12 hours is the appropriate guideline for an open system.