What is a potential complication of a patient receiving enteral feeding through an NG tube?

Pneumonia is a potential complication of enteral feeding through a nasogastric (NG) tube primarily due to the risk of aspiration. Aspiration occurs when the contents of the stomach inadvertently enter the trachea and lungs, which can happen if the patient has impaired swallowing reflexes, is unconscious, or there is improper positioning during feedings. When food or liquids enter the lungs, it can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention.

While constipation, gastric ulcer, and dehydration can also occur in patients receiving enteral nutrition, they do not carry the same immediate risk to the respiratory system as aspiration pneumonia. Constipation may arise due to insufficient fiber or fluid intake, gastric ulcers can develop due to stress or other factors unrelated to the feeding method, and dehydration can occur if fluid intake is inadequate. However, the risk of aspiration pneumonia is a unique and critical complication associated with NG tube feeding.