Which condition is NOT a contraindication for the use of tube feeding?

Which condition is NOT a contraindication for the use of tube feeding?

• A. Metabolic stress
• B. Paralytic ileus
• C. Intractable vomiting
• D. Peritonitis

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that enteral tube feeding is safe and indicated when the gut can function and tolerate nutrients. Metabolic stress by itself does not block tube feeding; in fact, it creates a greater need for nutrition to support recovery, so tube feeding is often started to meet those needs and protect gut integrity. Paralytic ileus means the intestines aren’t moving properly, so feeds can accumulate, cause distention, vomiting, and raise the risk of aspiration. That makes enteral feeding inappropriate until motility returns. Intractable vomiting prevents keeping feeds down and also raises aspiration risk, so feeding via a tube is not suitable. Peritonitis involves intra-abdominal infection and often accompanying ileus and sepsis risk; feeding during the acute phase can worsen the situation, so it’s generally avoided until stabilization. Thus, metabolic stress is the situation that does not contraindicate tube feeding.

The key idea is that enteral tube feeding is safe and indicated when the gut can function and tolerate nutrients. Metabolic stress by itself does not block tube feeding; in fact, it creates a greater need for nutrition to support recovery, so tube feeding is often started to meet those needs and protect gut integrity.

Paralytic ileus means the intestines aren’t moving properly, so feeds can accumulate, cause distention, vomiting, and raise the risk of aspiration. That makes enteral feeding inappropriate until motility returns.

Intractable vomiting prevents keeping feeds down and also raises aspiration risk, so feeding via a tube is not suitable.

Peritonitis involves intra-abdominal infection and often accompanying ileus and sepsis risk; feeding during the acute phase can worsen the situation, so it’s generally avoided until stabilization.

Thus, metabolic stress is the situation that does not contraindicate tube feeding.