Gastric or jejunal tube indications include which criterion?

• A. Pt unable to meet needs PO, with functioning GI tract, and requires long-term nutrition (>6 weeks)
• B. Pt has ileus
• C. Pt can meet needs PO
• D. Pt requires short-term nutrition

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that enteral feeding via a gastric or jejunal tube is used when the patient cannot meet nutritional needs by mouth but the GI tract is functional, and nutrition is needed for a long period. In this scenario, the patient cannot meet their needs orally, has a functioning GI tract, and requires nutrition for more than about six weeks, which fits the typical long-term enteral nutrition indication.

If the gut isn’t functioning, as in ileus, enteral feeding isn’t appropriate until function returns. If the patient can meet needs by oral intake, a feeding tube isn’t indicated. If nutrition is only needed briefly, short-term strategies may be used, and a long-term tube would not be warranted.