Final answer:
Unused portions of formula from intermittent enteral feedings should be discarded to prevent infection, and feeding equipment should be replaced regularly as per healthcare protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
The unused portion of formula used in intermittent enteral feedings should be discarded to prevent bacterial growth and potential infection. Once the formula is opened, its sterility cannot be guaranteed for long periods. In a healthcare setting, protocols often dictate that any formula not used within a certain time frame (usually one to two hours) after opening must be thrown away. Furthermore, equipment used for enteral feeding such as feeding bags or syringes should also be replaced regularly to maintain hygiene and safety standards.