Which complication can lead to dehydration in enteral feeding?

Diarrhea is a known complication of enteral feeding that can lead to dehydration. When a patient experiences diarrhea, there is a rapid loss of water and electrolytes that can exceed the fluid intake from the enteral formula. This fluid loss can result in inadequate hydration and can also lead to imbalances in electrolytes, further exacerbating the risk of dehydration.

In the context of enteral feeding, certain factors related to the formula composition, delivery method, or underlying patient conditions may trigger diarrhea, such as high osmolarity of the feeding solution or rapid infusion rates. Managing this complication is critical in patients receiving enteral nutrition to ensure they maintain adequate hydration and nutritional status.

The other options provided can be relevant in the context of enteral feeding, but they do not directly lead to dehydration in the same way that diarrhea does. Hyperglycemia can occur due to overly concentrated feeding or inadequate insulin management but is not a direct cause of dehydration. Air emboli are a rare and serious complication associated mainly with intravenous feeding, not enteral feeding. Electrolyte imbalance can result from various causes, including excessive diarrhea, but it does not directly cause dehydration in the same immediate and pronounced way as diarrhea does.