When a client experiences intolerance to a bolus feeding, the recommended next step is:

• A. Increase the bolus size
• B. Continue with the current plan
• C. Discontinue the administration of the bolus feeding
• D. Switch to an intravenous nutrition plan

Answer: (C)

Bolus feeding delivers a large volume quickly, which can overwhelm a stressed or slow GI tract. If intolerance develops, the immediate and safest move is to discontinue the bolus feeding. Stopping the bolus stops the infusion, helps relieve symptoms like nausea, distention, and vomiting, and lowers the risk of aspiration while you reassess the situation. After stopping, you’d evaluate the cause—gastric residuals, delayed emptying, or other GI issues—and consider resuming with a slower rate or switching to a continuous feeding approach or another delivery method if needed. Increasing the bolus size would worsen the intolerance, continuing the current plan ignores the symptoms, and switching to intravenous nutrition is a later option if enteral feeding cannot be tolerated despite adjustments.