What is the recommended daily fluid provision per kg to prevent tube feeding syndrome?

• A. 15-25 mL/kg/day
• B. 30-40 mL/kg/day
• C. 50-60 mL/kg/day
• D. 70-80 mL/kg/day

Answer: (B)

Providing adequate daily fluids in enteral nutrition centers on maintenance fluid needs per kilogram. For adults, a common target to prevent complications during tube feeding is 30-40 mL per kilogram per day. This range helps meet baseline water requirements for urine, stool, and insensible losses, while also accommodating the higher needs that come with illness, without tipping into fluid overload. For example, a 60-kg patient would aim for about 1.8–2.4 liters per day. If losses are higher (fever, wound drainage, GI losses) or if the patient is highly stressed, fluids may be adjusted upward within safe limits; if there is renal impairment or existing edema, reductions may be needed. Values outside this range either risk dehydration (too little) or fluid overload and related complications (too much).