Which description best defines a bolus feeding?

• A. Delivered in a continuous rate over 24 hours
• B. Generally an amount of 250-480 mL delivered by gravity or a syringe over 15 minutes into the stomach
• C. 50 mL/hour over 24 hours
• D. 240 mL over 45 minutes five times daily

Answer: (B)

Bolus feeding delivers a large volume of formula in a short, intermittent burst, typically into the stomach. The best description matches giving about 250–480 mL in roughly 15 minutes, using gravity or a syringe to push it into the stomach. This mimics a meal and contrasts with continuous feeding, which is delivered slowly over many hours with a pump. The option describing a continuous rate over 24 hours reflects continuous feeding, not bolus. The one with 50 mL/hour over 24 hours is also continuous. The description of 240 mL over 45 minutes five times daily is closer to a bolus but longer than the usual 15-minute bolus, so the standard bolus is best described by the 250–480 mL in about 15 minutes into the stomach.