Constipation in the enterally fed patient is most often associated with all of the following except:

Constipation in the enterally fed patient is most often associated with all of the following except:

• A. Obstruction
• B. Rapid or bolus infusion
• C. Lack of adequate hydration
• D. Prolonged bed rest

Answer: (B)

Constipation in patients receiving enteral nutrition usually stems from factors that slow gut movement or reduce stool water. Dehydration makes stools drier and harder to pass, while prolonged bed rest slows colonic transit, increasing the chance of stool buildup. An actual obstruction physically blocks stool passage, leading to constipation as well. Delivering feeds rapidly or as a bolus, on the other hand, tends to cause feed intolerance and diarrhea rather than constipation. The rapid volume and osmolar load can overwhelm the gut and pull water into the lumen, speeding movement or causing looser stools. That’s why rapid or bolus infusion is the exception and not typically associated with constipation.

Constipation in patients receiving enteral nutrition usually stems from factors that slow gut movement or reduce stool water. Dehydration makes stools drier and harder to pass, while prolonged bed rest slows colonic transit, increasing the chance of stool buildup. An actual obstruction physically blocks stool passage, leading to constipation as well.

Delivering feeds rapidly or as a bolus, on the other hand, tends to cause feed intolerance and diarrhea rather than constipation. The rapid volume and osmolar load can overwhelm the gut and pull water into the lumen, speeding movement or causing looser stools. That’s why rapid or bolus infusion is the exception and not typically associated with constipation.