Hemodynamically stable?
MAP ≥60, lactate falling, not crashing. If no → stabilize first, no calories.
Yes — stable
No — shock / MOF / hypoxia
Conscious, can protect airway?
Unconscious / no gag → do not start oral.
Yes — awake
No — unconscious
Oral nutrition tolerated?
Vomiting, severe nausea, refusal, dysphagia = no.
Yes — can sip
No — not tolerating
Vomiting
Dysphagia / stroke
Anorexia / nil by mouth
Other
GIT usable for a Ryle?
Obstruction, tumor blocking tube, ischemia, peritonitis, high fistula → PN.
Yes — gut works
No — unusable / blocked
Obstruction / tumor
Ileus
Ischemia / leak / peritonitis
High-output fistula
Output is a desk card, not a chart note. Verify with the team and current ESPEN/ASPEN protocols. Weight is required.