administering enteral feedings via nasoenteric tubes

Question 1

What position is the patient in?

Answer 1

upright position of at least 30 degrees in bed or a sitting position in a chair

Question 2

How is confirmation of tube placement done?

Answer 2

xray and
Attaches syringe to tube and injects 5mL of air, withdraws small amount gastric secretions, observes color and tests pH of secretions. Other methods of placement may be dictated by agency policy.

Question 3

How do we check for residual?

Answer 3

(the amount of undigested feeding remaining in the stomach)
Must be assessed according to agency policy – usually every 4-6 hours when client is receiving a continuous feeding or just prior to initiating a feeding.
Draw up 10 to 30 mL of air into syringe. Connect to end of feeding tube. Flush tube with air, then pull back slowly to aspirate total amount of gastric contents.
Measure
Returns aspirated gastric contents through tube into stomach unless volume exceeds 250 mL then check agency policy.
Flushes tube with 30 mL of water.

Question 4

What is the procedure for intermittent feeding?

Answer 4

Prepares correct amount and strength of formula at room temperature
Pinch proximal end of feeding tube
Remove plunger from syringe and attach barrel of syringe to end of tube.
Fill syringe with measured amount of formula. Release tube and elevate syringe to no more than 18 inches above insertion site and allow to empty. Repeat steps 1 and 2 as needed to administer prescribed amount.
Flushes feeding tube with 30 mL of water and clamp feeding tube.
Maintain in an upright position for at least 30 minutes

Question 5

What is the procedure for continuous feeding?

Answer 5

Prepares correct amount and strength of formula at room temperature
Fill bag with formula and prime tubing
Attach feeding bag tubing to end of feeding tube.
Adjust pump to infuse at prescribed rate.
Label bag and tubing with date and time
Monitors the client for possible problems
Document all relevant information