ICU Enteral Nutrition Timing & Route Guide

Guides enteral nutrition (EN) initiation timing and route selection in critically ill patients. Start EN within 24–48 hours of ICU admission when hemodynamically stable (not on escalating vasopressors). Gastric EN is first-line; post-pyloric (jejunal) EN for gastroparesis, high GRV, or aspiration risk. EN is preferred over parenteral nutrition (PN) — lower infection rates, lower cost, preserves gut integrity.