Name the type of feeding that provides nourishment directly through a tube passed into the stomach.

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Gavage feeding is the specific medical term for administering nutrition through a tube passed into the stomach.
This method typically uses a nasogastric (NG) or orogastric (OG) tube, which is inserted through the nose or mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach.
The term directly corresponds to the procedure described in the question: providing nourishment via a tube 'passed into' the stomach.

Option A: 'Tube feeding' is a general category, not a specific type. It refers to any method of providing nutrition through a tube.
Option B: Gastrostomy feeding involves a tube inserted directly into the stomach through a surgical opening (stoma) in the abdomen.
Option C: Oral feeding means taking food and fluids by mouth, which does not involve a tube.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of Enteral Nutrition as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are responsible for inserting, maintaining, and administering feedings through gavage tubes, making it a fundamental skill.
Ensuring correct tube placement before every use is a critical patient safety measure to prevent aspiration pneumonia, a potentially fatal complication.
What if the patient requires nutritional support for more than 6 weeks? The plan of care would likely shift from gavage feeding to a more permanent solution like a gastrostomy tube to prevent nasal tissue breakdown and improve patient comfort.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrases in the question: 'tube' and 'passed into the stomach'. This indicates a specific route of administration.
Analyze the options based on these keywords. 'Oral feeding' is immediately eliminated as it doesn't use a tube.
Differentiate between the remaining tube-based options. 'Tube feeding' is a general term. 'Gastrostomy' involves a surgical opening, not a tube 'passed' through the nose/mouth.
Recognize that 'Gavage feeding' is the specific term for passing a tube through the nose or mouth into the stomach for feeding.
Select the most precise term that matches the description provided in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 89-91

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 727-729

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.