Louise is an 85-year-old with severe pharyngeal phase dysphagia and NPO; the surgeon is considering a more permanent non-oral feeding method. Louise is most likely receiving nutrition via which non-oral feeding method?

• A. Esophagostomy
• B. Gastrostomy
• C. Nasogastric
• D. Pharyngostomy

Answer: (C)

Non-oral feeding routes are used when swallowing safety is compromised, so nutrition can reach the stomach without going through the mouth or pharynx. In severe pharyngeal phase dysphagia, the risk of aspiration is high, and a tube that bypasses the swallowing process is needed. A nasogastric tube enters through the nose into the stomach, delivering calories directly into the gastrointestinal tract with minimal invasiveness and without surgery. It’s typically used in the short to intermediate term while clinicians assess prognosis and plan for a longer-term solution. More permanent options like gastrostomy, pharyngostomy, or esophagostomy require surgical or endoscopic procedures and are considered when longer-term feeding is anticipated. So, Louise would most commonly be receiving nutrition via a nasogastric tube, especially as a bridging method or when a quick, non-surgical route is appropriate.