Clinical Nutritionist Practice Test

Which of the following factors must be considered when deciding on enteral nutrition support?

1. Financial resources

2. Patient's ability to safely swallow

3. Duration of hospital stay

4. Presence of allergies

The correct answer is: Patient's ability to safely swallow

The consideration of the patient's ability to safely swallow is crucial when deciding on enteral nutrition support. Enteral nutrition is typically indicated for patients who cannot consume food orally but still have a functioning gastrointestinal tract. If a patient cannot swallow safely due to issues like dysphagia, there is a risk of aspiration, where food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus, which can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia. In such cases, the choice of enteral nutrition is influenced by the need for alternative methods to deliver nutrition safely, whether through a feeding tube or other means, rather than relying on oral intake. The overall goal is to ensure that the patient receives adequate nutrition without causing harm. While financial resources, the duration of the hospital stay, and the presence of allergies are important factors in the broader context of patient care and support, they do not directly relate to the immediate physiological capability of the patient to receive enteral nutrition safely. Thus, the patient's ability to safely swallow is the most pertinent factor among the options listed when determining the appropriateness of enteral nutrition support.