Which pump controls the timing and amount of nutrition delivered to a patient during enteral feeding?

• A. Infusion Pump
• B. Syringe Pump
• C. PCA Pump
• D. Feeding Pump

Answer: (D)

The feeding pump is designed to control both when and how much nutrition is delivered through an enteral tube. It delivers formula at a programmable rate, either continuously or in scheduled boluses, ensuring the patient receives the intended volume over the chosen time. You can set the flow rate (mL per hour) and total volume, with the option to pause for clinical checks—reducing the risk of under- or over-delivery and aspiration. Other pumps serve different purposes: IV infusion pumps deliver fluids or medications into the bloodstream, syringe pumps provide very precise, small-volume infusions, and PCA pumps administer controlled analgesia; none are optimized for delivering enteral nutrition.