Which condition is an indicator for tube feeding in older adults?

Which condition is an indicator for tube feeding in older adults?

• A. Inability to swallow due to CVA, dysphagia, head trauma, or advanced dementia
• B. Normal swallowing with adequate PO intake
• C. No risk of aspiration
• D. Advanced age alone

Answer: (A)

When swallowing is impaired or unsafe and oral intake cannot meet nutritional needs, a feeding tube becomes a consideration. Conditions like stroke with resulting dysphagia, head trauma, or advanced dementia disrupt the ability to swallow safely and/or adequately, increasing the risk of malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration. In this context, tube feeding helps ensure calories and fluids are delivered reliably while protecting the airway. Normal swallowing with adequate oral intake means there’s no need for a tube, since nutrition and hydration can be met orally. No risk of aspiration implies oral feeding remains safely sufficient. Advanced age alone doesn’t justify tube feeding because many older adults maintain adequate swallowing function and intake, and decisions should be guided by functional status, prognosis, and goals of care.

When swallowing is impaired or unsafe and oral intake cannot meet nutritional needs, a feeding tube becomes a consideration. Conditions like stroke with resulting dysphagia, head trauma, or advanced dementia disrupt the ability to swallow safely and/or adequately, increasing the risk of malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration. In this context, tube feeding helps ensure calories and fluids are delivered reliably while protecting the airway.

Normal swallowing with adequate oral intake means there’s no need for a tube, since nutrition and hydration can be met orally. No risk of aspiration implies oral feeding remains safely sufficient. Advanced age alone doesn’t justify tube feeding because many older adults maintain adequate swallowing function and intake, and decisions should be guided by functional status, prognosis, and goals of care.