If you cannot eat sufficient quantities of food to meet nutritional needs, then feeding can be given through a tube into the stomach or small bowel to provide adequate nutrients. There are a variety of tube feeding formulas on the market which are designed to meet 100% of your nutritional needs. The feedings may be given continuously over several hours, around the clock at a specific rate, and delivered by a special pump or several times a day in measured amounts. Adequate nutrition depends on the right type and amount of formula. Your healthcare provider will prescribe your feeding schedule, formula and amount of water needed for optimal nutrition and hydration. Show
After a brain or spinal cord injury, the metabolic rate may be increased and energy and protein needs may be high to provide nutrients for healing. Muscle atrophy is also common because of decreased mobility during this time. Calorie and protein needs tend to decrease a few months after injury, so tube feedings may need to be adjusted to avoid unwanted weight gain. It is important to monitor your body weight and know your weight goals. If you have significant weight changes (gain or loss of more than 2 lbs in 1 week) or if you are cleared to eat by a Speech Language Pathologist, contact your doctor, home health company, or registered dietitian for a tube feeding adjustment. Types of Feeding Tubes
You may see an adapter such as the Dale Ace connector Tube Feeding Preparation
Supplies to Gather:
Positions for receiving tube feedings:
How to check gastric residual (PEG feedings only):"Residual" refers to fluid/contents that remain in the stomach. Only those fed through a PEG tube should have a residual.
Tube Feeding Procedures
+Continuous or Cyclic Tube Feeding
+Bolus Tube Feeding
Note: If using a PEG, it is important to check tube feeding residuals every 4 hours while receiving continuous feedings and right before bolus feedings.
Mouth Care:
Troubleshooting Feeding Tubes
+Clogged or Blocked Feeding Tubes
Recognition:
Causes:
Prevention:
What do I do when I have a clogged tube?
+Nausea/Vomiting
Recognition:
Causes: 1. Mechanical problem
2. GI problems
3. Side effect of medication or other treatments 4. Problem with formula
5. Offensive odors, sight and smell of food Prevention:
Immediate Action:
+Diarrhea
Recognition:
Causes:
Prevention:
Immediate Action:
+Constipation:
Recognition:
Causes:
Prevention:
Immediate Action:
+Aspiration
Recognition:
Causes:
Prevention:
Immediate Action:
+When to Call the Doctor
Call your physician if any of the following occurs:
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