What is a common source of tube-feeding intolerance?

What is a common source of tube-feeding intolerance?

• A. High protein content
• B. Delayed gastric emptying
• C. Overhydration
• D. Lactose intolerance

Answer: (B)

Understanding tube-feeding intolerance often starts with how the stomach handles the feed. When gastric emptying is delayed, the stomach holds the formula longer than normal, causing higher gastric residuals, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and a greater risk of aspiration. This slowed movement from stomach into the small intestine is the most common driver of intolerance to tube feeds, so recognizing delayed gastric emptying explains why feeds don’t progress smoothly. Other factors like high protein content, lactose in the formula, or simply too much fluid can cause problems in some cases, but they’re not the typical, primary cause of widespread intolerance. In practice, addressing delayed gastric emptying might involve adjusting the feeding rate, using prokinetic medications, or switching to post-pyloric (duodenal/jejunule) feeding if ongoing intolerance occurs.

Understanding tube-feeding intolerance often starts with how the stomach handles the feed. When gastric emptying is delayed, the stomach holds the formula longer than normal, causing higher gastric residuals, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and a greater risk of aspiration. This slowed movement from stomach into the small intestine is the most common driver of intolerance to tube feeds, so recognizing delayed gastric emptying explains why feeds don’t progress smoothly. Other factors like high protein content, lactose in the formula, or simply too much fluid can cause problems in some cases, but they’re not the typical, primary cause of widespread intolerance. In practice, addressing delayed gastric emptying might involve adjusting the feeding rate, using prokinetic medications, or switching to post-pyloric (duodenal/jejunule) feeding if ongoing intolerance occurs.