What term describes a method of delivering liquid food directly into the stomach through a tube?

The method of delivering liquid food directly into the stomach through a tube is known as enteral feeding. This approach is often utilized for individuals who cannot eat by mouth due to various conditions, such as swallowing difficulties, gastrointestinal disorders, or those who are in critical care. Enteral feeding ensures that patients receive adequate nutrition through a direct supply that bypasses the mouth and esophagus, facilitating better nutrition management and aiding recovery.

In a clinical setting, enteral feeding can be administered through various types of tubes, such as nasogastric tubes or gastrostomy tubes, depending on the patient's needs and the duration of the feeding requirement. By utilizing this method, healthcare providers can effectively meet the nutritional needs of patients, support their health outcomes, and minimize the risk of malnutrition.

The other terms provided do not pertain to the specific method of delivering nutrition through a tube. Energy metabolism refers to how the body converts food into energy, drug irregularity relates to discrepancies or errors in medication administration, and dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. Each of these terms describes different aspects of health care but does not align with enteral feeding.