Which pump is used to deliver enteral nutrition by regulating timing and amount?

• A. Infusion Pump
• B. Syringe Pump
• C. Medical Ventilator
• D. Feeding Pump

Answer: (D)

Delivering enteral nutrition requires precise control of both how much is given and when it is given. A feeding pump is designed for this purpose: it can be programmed to deliver a set volume at a chosen rate and can provide continuous feeding or scheduled boluses through an enteral tube. This controlled delivery helps ensure the patient receives the intended amount while reducing risks like overfeeding or aspiration, and it includes safety alarms for occlusions or disconnections.

Other pumps are not optimized for enteral feeding. An infusion pump is mainly used for IV therapies and isn’t tailored for enteral routes. A syringe pump pushes fluid from a syringe at a controlled rate but is impractical for typical feeding volumes and continuous administration. A medical ventilator is used for breathing support, not for delivering nutrition.