What recommendation should be made to a tube-fed patient who develops a distended abdomen during bolus feedings?

When a tube-fed patient develops a distended abdomen during bolus feedings, the appropriate response is to decrease the infusion rate. Decreasing the infusion rate can help manage the distention by allowing the stomach more time to handle the volume of formula being introduced, reducing the risk of overloading the gastrointestinal system. This can help alleviate discomfort and prevent complications such as nausea or vomiting.

In the context of tube feeding, bolus feedings involve delivering a larger volume of nutrient formula at once, which can sometimes lead to symptoms like abdominal distension if the stomach cannot handle the rapid influx. By adjusting the rate, the healthcare provider can ensure that the feeding is administered in a more manageable way, which may promote better tolerance and digestion.

Other approaches like changing to continuous feeding or altering the formula composition could also be explored depending on the situation, but the immediate action in response to distension is to adjust the rate of feedings to support the patient's comfort and safety.