Which statement about GRV and risk is accurate?

Which statement about GRV and risk is accurate?

• A. GRV is not correlated with regurgitation, aspiration or pneumonia.
• B. High GRV predicts regurgitation, aspiration, and pneumonia.
• C. GRV correlates with regurgitation risk.
• D. GRV is not used in clinical decisions.

Answer: (A)

Gastric residual volume reflects how well the stomach is emptying and how well feeding is tolerated. When residual volumes are high, it suggests delayed gastric emptying and a greater likelihood that stomach contents could reflux toward the esophagus and potentially be aspirated, especially around feeding times. This creates a measurable link to regurgitation risk. The statement that GRV is not correlated with regurgitation, aspiration, or pneumonia isn’t consistent with how GRV is used clinically. There is evidence that higher GRV relates to an increased risk of regurgitation and aspiration, though the direct connection to pneumonia is less clear because pneumonia involves many factors beyond aspiration alone. Because of this, stating that GRV correlates with regurgitation risk is the most accurate and balanced of the options. Also, GRV is commonly used to guide feeding decisions, so saying it isn’t used in clinical decisions isn’t correct.

Gastric residual volume reflects how well the stomach is emptying and how well feeding is tolerated. When residual volumes are high, it suggests delayed gastric emptying and a greater likelihood that stomach contents could reflux toward the esophagus and potentially be aspirated, especially around feeding times. This creates a measurable link to regurgitation risk.

The statement that GRV is not correlated with regurgitation, aspiration, or pneumonia isn’t consistent with how GRV is used clinically. There is evidence that higher GRV relates to an increased risk of regurgitation and aspiration, though the direct connection to pneumonia is less clear because pneumonia involves many factors beyond aspiration alone. Because of this, stating that GRV correlates with regurgitation risk is the most accurate and balanced of the options. Also, GRV is commonly used to guide feeding decisions, so saying it isn’t used in clinical decisions isn’t correct.