Enteral Feeding Flashcards
Enteral Nutrition:
The administration of nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract.
Which nutritional pathway is preferred:
It is the preferred method for providing nutrition and should be used when the patient’s GI tract is functional.
Malnutrition S/S:
Mental confusion, irritability; inability to concentrate; apathetic, listless
Lack of appetite and interest in food
Changes in skin color (eg. pale, pigmented)
Dry, scaly skin; brittle, pale nails; dry, dull, sparse hair
Swollen and bleeding gums; decaying teeth
Eyes dry, sunken; cheeks hollow
Fatigue, low energy; muscle weakness
Distended abdomen; enlarged liver
Weight loss, muscle wasting
Poor immune function; infections; poor wound healing
Abnormal Blood Results in Malnutrition:
Decreased albumin/pre-albumin and total protein
Decreased Hgb/Hct (if anemic)
Decreased Iron/components
Decreased lymphocytes (or increased if infection)
Decreased blood glucose
Decreased K+ and calcium (and other electrolyte imbalances)
Decreased BUN and CR (but increased if hypovolemic from dehydration eg. renal failure)
Decreased serum vitamin and mineral levels
Increased liver enzymes (eg. liver damage)
Parental Nutrition and the gut:
parenteral nutrition fails to stimulate the gut resulting in:
villous atrophy
loss of gut mass
compromising the physical barrier (decreased surface area)
Enteral nutrition and the gut:
maintains gut mass, function and integrity
PARENTERAL Feeding
Feeding via an IV through a central vein
ENTERAL Feeding
Feeding via the stomach or intestine
Indications for an Enteral Feeding
Need a functioning and accessible GI tract
Malnourished or at risk of malnutrition
To supplement food intake when it is insufficient to meet daily needs
Unable to ingest oral foods
Unwilling to take oral feeds
Dysphagia
Upper GI tract is impaired
Indications for a Parenteral Feed
Indicated for patient’s with a non-functioning GI tract
Administered through a central vascular access device (CVAD) (ie: PICC) – preferred route
Contraindications for Enteral Feeding
If no gag reflex- can aspirate food
GI tract not functioning (eg. intestinal obstruction
Must be able to elevate HOB during feeds
Complications of Enteral Feeding
*Refeeding syndrome
*Aspiration
Metabolic problems
Re-feeding Syndrome
occurs in previously malnourished patients
This results in a rapid and dramatic fall in phosphate, potassium and magnesium
As the body tries to switch from catabolic (starvation mode) to using exogenous fuel sources, there is an increase in oxygen consumption, increased respiratory and cardiac workload
How should feeds be started?
Feeds should be started slowly and the electrolytes closely monitored and adequately replaced to avoid these problems developing.
How to prevent aspiration?
Ensure head of bed elevated while a continuous tube feeding is running and for 1 hour following intermittent feeds
Assess gag reflex
Nasogastric Tubes
Inserted into nostril down into the stomach
*Requires intact gag and cough reflex (or airway protected)
Anti-Reflux Valve:
prevents gastricrefluxor leakage through the vent lumen of a double-lumennasogastric tube
What does the stylet do in Small Bore NG tube?
Have stylet to assist insert
Remove before feeding