Which of the following is NOT a benefit of closed enteral feeding systems?

• A. Maximum hang time of 8-12 hours
• B. Decreased risk for microbial contamination
• C. Packaging amenable to addition of medication or modular
• D. Decreased incidence of gastric intolerance

Answer: (D)

Closed enteral feeding systems keep the formula sealed during administration, which reduces exposure to the environment and lowers the chance of microbial contamination. Their design includes ports and connectors that allow medications or modular components to be added without breaching sterility, supporting safe medication administration within the system. The closed setup also typically allows a longer hang time than open systems, often permitting use for several hours (around 8–12 hours) before changing the setup. Gastric intolerance, however, is driven by factors like feeding rate, volume, osmolality, and the patient’s GI function, not by whether the system is closed. So decreased incidence of gastric intolerance is not a benefit of closed enteral feeding systems.