Final answer:
Cyclical feedings are given to patients needing enteral nutrition but have a functioning GI tract, such as those recovering from surgeries or with critical illnesses. The feedings occur usually at night, providing psychological and lifestyle benefits by allowing freedom during the day.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cyclical feedings are often administered to patients who require enteral nutrition (EN), a method used to feed individuals who cannot obtain adequate nutrition by mouth but have a functional gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Patients who commonly receive cyclical feedings include those with an impaired ability to eat, such as those with neuromuscular disorders, critical illness, or in a recovery phase from major surgeries.
These feedings are typically given at night, mimicking normal eating patterns, and allowing for more freedom during the day. This schedule can also be beneficial for patients trying to gradually transition back to oral feedings, people who need enteral support alongside rehabilitative therapies, or for individuals who prefer to be free from feeding tubes during daytime hours.
Healthcare professionals choose this method to maintain nutrition while also providing psychological and lifestyle benefits, as it helps preserve the patients' normal daily activities to some extent. Cyclical feedings can be a viable option for long-term care when continuous feeding isn't necessary or practical.