Question

Enteral nutrition is a method of providing adequate nutrition via which of the following routes?
A. Transoral
B. Transanal
C. Transgastric
D. Intravenous
E. Hyperalimentation
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and C only
• B. B, C and D only
• C. C, D and E only
• D. A, C and D only

Hint:

If the "gut works, use it" is the primary rule of Enteral nutrition.
Always exclude "Intravenous" or "TPN" (Total Parenteral Nutrition) when asked for enteral routes.
Enteral = Digestive Tract (Mouth to Anus).
Parenteral = Bloodstream (Veins).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Clinical nutrition support is divided into two main categories: Enteral Nutrition (EN) and Parenteral Nutrition (PN).
Enteral nutrition refers to any method of feeding that uses the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to deliver caloric requirements.
Parenteral nutrition involves delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Defining Enteral Routes:
1. Transoral (A): This includes oral nutritional supplements or liquid diets consumed through the mouth. Since it uses the GI tract, it is the most common form of enteral nutrition.
2. Transanal (B): While not a common route for regular feeding, "enteral" strictly refers to the "intestine." In specific clinical contexts, nutrients or therapeutic substances delivered via the rectum/anus utilize the GI tract and fall under the broad definition of enteral pathways.
3. Transgastric (C): This refers to feeding tubes that go across the stomach wall (e.g., PEG tubes or Gastrostomy). This is a classic example of enteral nutrition for patients who cannot swallow.

• Defining Parenteral Routes (Exclusion):
4. Intravenous (D): This is the delivery of nutrients directly into a vein. This is the definition of Parenteral Nutrition, not Enteral.
5. Hyperalimentation (E): This is an older term for Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), involving the intravenous infusion of a highly concentrated solution. It is explicitly a non-enteral method.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Based on the physiological distinction, routes A, B, and C utilize the digestive tract, whereas D and E bypass it.
Thus, A, B, and C are the correct enteral routes.