The Journal of critical illness
-
Many critically ill patients require nutritional support to avoid protein-calorie malnutrition. Enteral administration is preferred because it is less expensive than parenteral nutrition and is associated with fewer complications. ⋯ To lower the risk of aspiration, check the level of gastric residuum before initiating, or increasing the level of, nutritional support. Diarrhea is not an indication for stopping enteral nutrition.