During enteral feeding, which parameter should be checked to assess tolerance?

• A. Pulse rate
• B. Gas volume
• C. Residual
• D. Fluid intake

Answer: (C)

Assessing tolerance to enteral feeding hinges on how well the stomach empties the feed. The residual volume—the amount of formula left in the stomach when you aspirate from the feeding tube—provides this readout. If the residual is within the expected range, the gut is tolerating the feed and you can continue as ordered. If the residual is elevated, it suggests delayed gastric emptying or intolerance, so you may need to pause, slow the rate, or reassess per protocol to reduce the risk of aspiration and ensure safe, effective nutrition.

Other measures like pulse rate are general signs of distress but aren’t specific to how the gut handles feeding, gas volume isn’t a standard tolerance measure, and fluid intake reflects hydration status more than the stomach’s response to enteral nutrition.