Parenteral nutrition is used to give the bowels a chance to heal by bypassing the GI tract. Which option correctly identifies this therapy?

• A. Enteral feeding
• B. Parenteral nutrition
• C. Mechanical diet
• D. High-fiber diet

Answer: (B)

Providing nutrients intravenously to bypass the GI tract and rest the bowel explains this therapy. Parenteral nutrition delivers calories, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals directly into the bloodstream through a central venous access device, so the gastrointestinal tract is not used for absorption. This bowel rest supports healing when the gut cannot safely handle enteral feeds due to conditions like obstruction, ileus, severe inflammation, or after GI surgery. Enteral feeding uses the GI tract and would not allow the bowel to rest, so it’s not the right choice in this scenario. Mechanical or high-fiber diets describe feeding patterns or textures rather than bypassing the gut, and don’t provide the purpose of rest and healing through intravenous nutrition.