Early enteral feeding has been suggested to reduce which outcome?

• A. Infectious complications
• B. Pulmonary embolism
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Muscle wasting

Answer: (A)

Early enteral feeding helps preserve gut barrier and immune function, which reduces infectious complications. Providing nutrients through the gut soon after illness or injury supports the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and maintains gut-associated immune activity. When the gut barrier stays intact, fewer bacteria translocate into the bloodstream, lowering the risk of infections such as sepsis and pneumonia. It also decreases reliance on central venous access for parenteral nutrition, which carries its own infection risk. While muscle mass and other issues can be influenced by nutrition, the most consistently noted benefit of early enteral feeding is a reduction in infectious complications. Pulmonary embolism and hyperkalemia are not direct outcomes linked to the timing of enteral feeding, and though nutrition helps with overall muscle preservation, infection reduction is the standout effect in this context.