What should be monitored closely in clients receiving enteral feeding?

Monitoring gastrointestinal tolerance is crucial for clients receiving enteral feeding because it directly impacts the effectiveness and safety of the feeding regimen. Gastrointestinal tolerance refers to how well the client's digestive system is able to handle the enteral nutrition being provided. Signs of intolerance may include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, or distension.

When a client shows signs of gastrointestinal intolerance, it may indicate that the enteral formula is not being adequately digested or absorbed, which can lead to complications such as aspiration, malnutrition, or dehydration. Monitoring involves assessing bowel movements, symptoms of discomfort, residuals from gastric suctioning, and overall abdominal assessment to ensure the feeding is well-tolerated and to make timely adjustments if necessary.

Other factors such as weight gain, clear urine output, and blood glucose levels are important in the overall assessment of a client’s health and nutritional status but are secondary to ensuring the gastrointestinal system can handle the enteral nutrition being delivered. If there is a failure to tolerate the enteral feed, it could compromise the patient’s nutritional status and recovery. Therefore, the focus on gastrointestinal tolerance prioritizes the immediate function of the digestive system, which is essential for successful enteral feeding.