Your critically ill patient with diabetes was well nourished, but starting with admission, she has been unable to take food by mouth. Based on recommendations, when should parenteral nutrition begin?

1. a. After 48 hours without oral intake
2. b. After 72 hours without oral intake
3. c. After 7 days without oral intake
4. d. After 10 days without oral intake

Answer to Quiz Time: c. Guidelines for Nutrition Support Therapy in Critically Ill Patients from the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and the Society of Critical Care Medicine suggest initiating parenteral nutrition therapy after 7 days with no oral intake.

Learn more by reading the continuing nursing education article “Supplemental nutrition for hospital patients with diabetes.”