What is the term used to describe the process of giving a tube feeding?

The term "gavage" is specifically used to describe the process of providing tube feeding, where nutrients are delivered directly to the stomach through a tube. This method is commonly utilized when a patient is unable to consume food orally due to various medical conditions, ensuring they receive necessary nutrition in a controlled manner. Gavage typically refers to the technique of delivering food or nutrients, particularly in contexts involving infants or patients with feeding difficulties.

In a clinical setting, understanding this terminology and its applications is essential for health care providers, particularly in ensuring appropriate care for patients who cannot eat by mouth. Other options, while related to nutrition, refer to different methods or contexts. Enteral nutrition, for instance, encompasses the broader category of delivering nutrients via the gastrointestinal tract, which includes but is not limited to tube feeding. Parenteral nutrition refers to the delivery of nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely, and infusion therapy generally involves administering fluids or medications through an intravenous line. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "gavage" is the most accurate term for tube feeding.