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In patients with severe acute pancreatitis, the use of enteral nutrition via nasojejunal feeding tube rather than parenteral nutrition is associated with

1: an increased incidence of hyperglycemia.
2: a lower risk of developing infectious complications.
3: a greater incidence of negative nitrogen balance.
4: a decreased frequency of pancreatic stimulation.

User Mirazour
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In severe acute pancreatitis, enteral nutrition via nasojejunal feeding is associated with a lower risk of developing infectious complications and does not significantly increase pancreatic stimulation, which can be beneficial compared to parenteral nutrition. The correct option is 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

In patients with severe acute pancreatitis, the use of enteral nutrition via a nasojejunal feeding tube rather than parenteral nutrition is generally considered to have several advantages. One of the key benefits is a lower risk of developing infectious complications compared to parenteral nutrition. This is likely because enteral nutrition maintains the integrity of the gut mucosal barrier and may reduce bacterial translocation. Additionally, enteral nutrition does not typically increase pancreatic stimulation significantly, as it bypasses the stomach and delivers nutrients directly to the small intestine, which is less likely to trigger the release of digestive hormones that stimulate the pancreas.

While there could be a concern for an increased incidence of hyperglycemia because of the direct delivery of nutrients into the small intestine, in practice, enteral nutrition is associated with better glucose control compared to parenteral nutrition. Concerning nitrogen balance, enteral nutrition is also more often associated with an improved or positive nitrogen balance as it is closer to natural feeding and utilizes the body's normal digestive and absorptive processes, which are important for maintaining muscle mass and function.

It's important to note that individual patient conditions may vary, and health care professionals will closely monitor and adjust nutrition therapy to the needs of each patient with severe acute pancreatitis. The information provided does not consider specific individual differences and should not be taken as medical advice.

User Umar Khan
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