Ace the Certified Specialist in Pediatrics Exam 2026 – Be the Hero Our Little Patients Need!

Enteral nutrition is often withheld in neonates during episodes of severe respiratory failure that are accompanied by hypoxia and acidosis. In these critical situations, the ability of a neonate to adequately breathe and oxygenate their tissues is compromised. This can lead to a decreased ability to handle enteral feeds safely, as the gastrointestinal tract may not be adequately perfused, and there is a risk of aspiration, which could further complicate the respiratory situation. Enteral feeds require a certain level of stability in various metabolic and physiological functions, and when a neonate is in respiratory distress, introducing nutrition via the gastrointestinal route can exacerbate their condition.

In contrast, withholding enteral nutrition prior to surgery is standard practice due to the risk of aspiration during anesthesia, not because of the neonate's overall condition independently. High birth weight, while it may indicate good growth and nutrition status, does not provide a reason to withhold enteral nutrition unless there are other complicating factors. Similarly, in a stable condition, enteral nutrition is typically encouraged to support growth and development. Thus, the critical nature of the clinical situation in severe respiratory failure supports the decision to withhold enteral feeds to prioritize the neonate's immediate health needs.