An acutely ill patient is receiving propofol and tube feedings. What should the RD do?

Adjusting the tube feeding to avoid overfeeding is the most appropriate course of action for an acutely ill patient receiving propofol and tube feedings. Propofol is a lipid-based sedative, which can contribute significant calories and fat to a patient's overall intake. When patients are on tube feedings while also receiving propofol, there is a risk for overfeeding due to the combined caloric content of both the tube feed and the propofol infusion.

An adjustment to the tube feeding is necessary to ensure that the patient's caloric intake does not exceed their metabolic requirements, which could lead to complications such as hyperglycemia, increased triglyceride levels, and other issues associated with overfeeding. Therefore, the registered dietitian should carefully calculate the patient’s energy needs and adjust the tube feeding rate accordingly to prevent overnutrition.

In this context, increasing the rate of propofol could further complicate the patient's nutritional status and is not a recommended approach. Switching to oral feeding may not be feasible for an acutely ill patient who may not have the capability or safety to eat orally. Reducing fluid intake is not appropriate without specific indications, as adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining proper physiological function, especially in critically ill patients. Thus, adjusting