In an uncomplicated enterally fed patient, is routine culture testing indicated?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if fever
• D. Only if leukocytosis

Answer: (B)

Not performing routine cultures in an uncomplicated enterally fed patient is appropriate. Cultures should be guided by clinical suspicion of infection, not done routinely. In the absence of signs like fever or leukocytosis, most cultures won’t change management and can lead to false positives, unnecessary antibiotics, patient harm, and higher costs. If fever or leukocytosis develops, targeted cultures are warranted to identify the cause and direct therapy.