General Considerations (Gastric Feeds)

General considerations for patients receiving gastric feeds1:

1. Gastric feeds may be necessary to initiate early enteral nutrition but are highly discouraged in the combat trauma patient population during the period of rapid transport to CONUS.
2. If the clinical scenario warrants consideration of gastric feeding, it must be discussed with the attending trauma surgeon and coordinated among the entire multidisciplinary team.
3. Use of pro-kinetic agents to maximize tolerance to enteral feeding should be attempted before cessation of enteral feeding.
4. Gastric residual volumes (GRV) may be utilized, but feeding should not be halted for GRV of less than 500 cc.