Answer to Question 1
Without GI feeding, the GI tract becomes atrophic. Even if excellent TPN is provided and the GI tract lies dormant, it will become very thin and could possibly allow the translocation of bacteria across the mucosa or up the GI tract to the respiratory tract. The sooner GI feeding can be started, the less likely this is to occur.
Answer to Question 2
A clear liquid diet contains little or no protein and is inadequate in most vitamins and minerals. It can be supplemented with clear liquid protein supplements.
A full liquid diet can be designed to be adequate in protein and vitamins and minerals with proper supplementation.