ENTERAL NUTRITION Meaning and
Definition
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Enteral nutrition, also known as tube feeding, is a method of delivering nutrition directly into the gastrointestinal tract. It is primarily used when a person is unable to obtain adequate nutrition through oral intake due to factors such as injury, surgery, or illnesses that impair normal eating and digestion.
This method involves inserting a tube into the digestive tract, typically through the nose or a surgical opening in the abdomen. The tube is then connected to a specialized liquid formula containing all the essential nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This formula is carefully chosen to meet the specific nutritional needs of the individual and is often administered via a gravity drip, pump-assisted, or bolus delivery system.
Enteral nutrition not only provides essential nutrients but also helps maintain gut integrity and function. It supports the growth and repair of tissues, promotes healing, and enhances the immune response. Depending on the individual's condition, enteral nutrition can be short-term, as a transitional measure, or long-term, when oral intake is permanently inadequate or impossible.
This technique requires close monitoring by healthcare professionals to ensure the proper administration, tolerance, and effectiveness of the feeding. Potential complications of enteral nutrition include tube displacement, infection, blockage, gastrointestinal intolerance, and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, regular assessment and adjustment of the feeding regimen are essential to optimize the individual's nutritional status and overall well-being.
Common Misspellings for ENTERAL NUTRITION
- wnteral nutrition
- snteral nutrition
- dnteral nutrition
- rnteral nutrition
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- 3nteral nutrition
- ebteral nutrition
- emteral nutrition
- ejteral nutrition
- ehteral nutrition
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- enferal nutrition
- engeral nutrition
- enyeral nutrition
- en6eral nutrition
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- entwral nutrition
- entsral nutrition
- entdral nutrition
- entrral nutrition
Etymology of ENTERAL NUTRITION
The word "enteral" comes from the Latin word "entericus", which in turn is derived from the Greek word "enterikos", meaning "intestinal". The term "nutrition" is derived from the Latin word "nutritio", which means "nourishing". Therefore, "enteral nutrition" refers to the provision of nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract for nourishment.
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