Q: What's the easiest way ("rule of thumb") to calculate calories provided by standard tube feeding formulas in ICU? 


Answer: Most standard formulas in ICU provide 1 calorie per 1 milliliter (mL) and a nutrient composition quite similar to what is recommended for healthy individuals. 

Adjustment should be done looking at the label of the formula at bedside if caloric density formulas are on board. They are usually labelled as (formula name) 1.5.