Explain how health care professionals select the appropriate enteral formula for an individual patient

Answer 1

?The formula is selected after careful assessment of the patient's medical problems, fluid and nutrition status, and ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Although the vast majority of patients can use standard formulas, a person with a functional but impaired GI tract may require an elemental formula. As with patients consuming regular diets, the tube-fed patient may require adjustments in nutrient and energy intakes. For example, patients with diabetes may need to control carbohydrate intake, critical-care patients may have high protein and energy requirements, and patients with chronic kidney disease may need to limit their intakes of protein and several minerals. High nutrient needs must be met using the volume of formula a patient can tolerate. If fluids need to be restricted, the formula should have adequate nutrient and energy densities to provide the required nutrients in the volume prescribed. Formulas that provide fiber may be helpful for managing problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and hyperglycemia. Nearly all formulas are lactose-free and gluten-free and can accommodate the needs of patients with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity.