Enteral feeding requires which condition?

• A. A functioning GI system
• B. No functioning GI system
• C. An IV access
• D. A mouth-only route

Answer: (A)

Enteral feeding relies on delivering nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract, so a functioning GI system is essential because the gut must digest and absorb the nutrients and maintain gut integrity. When the GI tract works, nutrients can be given via feeding tubes into the stomach or small intestine, or through safe oral intake if swallowing is intact. If the GI tract isn’t functioning, enteral feeding isn’t appropriate, and nutrition is provided by parenteral means through IV. An IV access by itself doesn’t enable enteral feeding, and a mouth-only route doesn’t guarantee proper delivery and absorption through the gut.