Which of the following may be the cause of loose stools in a tube-fed patient?

The correct choice is rooted in the relationship between osmolality and gastrointestinal function. In tube-fed patients, the osmolality of the feeding refers to the concentration of solutes in the feeding formula. A feeding that has too low osmolality can lead to an imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract, causing fluid to enter the intestines inappropriately. This influx of fluid can lead to increased water content in the stool, resulting in loose stools or diarrhea.

Understanding osmolality is crucial in enteral nutrition because it directly affects absorption and the movement of water within the intestines. Proper osmolality ensures that the feeding is well tolerated and can minimize gastrointestinal complications. In contrast, too high osmolality can also cause issues but typically results in fluid retention and more severe digestive upset rather than loose stools.

Other factors, such as the rate of feeding or the integrity of the intestinal surface area, can certainly influence gastrointestinal symptoms but do not have the same direct relationship with loose stools as the osmolality of the feeding does.