What are the key indications for initiating enteral nutrition via NG, NJ, or PEG feeding in adult patients?

Enteral nutrition via nasogastric, nasojejunal, or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding should be initiated in adult patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, have inadequate or unsafe oral intake, and possess a functional, accessible gastrointestinal tract ¹.

Specifically, nasogastric tube feeding is indicated when the patient can swallow safely and has no upper gastrointestinal dysfunction, with initial placement confirmed by clinical checks ¹.

For patients with upper gastrointestinal dysfunction or an inaccessible upper GI tract, post-pyloric (duodenal or jejunal) feeding should be considered ¹.

Gastrostomy feeding is suitable for those likely to require long-term (4 weeks or more) enteral feeding ¹.