Patients who are not able to meet their nutritional needs orally should be started on enteral nutrition within what time frame?

A. 6–12 hours: Initiating enteral nutrition this early is typically reserved for critically ill patients who are hemodynamically stable and require immediate nutritional support. It is not the standard time frame for all patients unable to meet oral intake. B. 12–24 hours: Early feeding within this window may be appropriate for certain high-risk critically ill patients, but standard practice generally recommends initiation within a slightly longer period for most patients. C. 24–48 hours: Guidelines recommend starting enteral nutrition within 24–48 hours for patients who cannot meet nutritional needs orally. Early enteral feeding helps maintain gut integrity, prevent malnutrition, and reduce complications associated with prolonged fasting. D. 5 days: Delaying enteral nutrition for several days increases the risk of malnutrition, impaired wound healing, and weakened immune response. Waiting this long is not recommended for patients who cannot meet caloric and protein needs orally.