What Role Do Nurses Play in Managing Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition?
When patients cannot eat by mouth, nurses are responsible for managing enteral and parenteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition involves feeding through a tube placed in the stomach or small intestine, while parenteral nutrition involves intravenous feeding. Nurses must monitor for complications such as infections, blockages, or nutrient imbalances and ensure the nutritional formulas meet the patients' dietary needs.
