Enteral feeding

Question 1

What is enteral feeding?

Answer 1

The introduction of a nutritionally complete liquid formula into the stomach or small intestine via a tube

Question 2

What are the indications for enteral feeding and give an example

Answer 2

1. When an individual is not safe for oral intake
   - dysphagia
   - altered consciousness
2. When oral intake is not adequately meeting nutritional requirements
   - disease related malnutrition associated with poor appetite (liver, kidney, cancer, crohn’s)

Question 3

When is enteral feeding not indicated?

Answer 3

In clinical conditions such as gut failure, intestinal obstruction, or inability to gain central access

Not always supported in palliative care or elderly patients

Question 4

What needs to be considered when establishing an enteral feeding regime?

Answer 4

• is the gut functional/accessible
• nutritional assessment (anthrop, risk of refeeding, current intake)
• nutritional requirements (energy, protein, fluid, electrolyte requirements, fluid restriction, high energy/protein requirements)
• can nutritional requirements be met with oral intake
• does the patient have impaired digestion/absorption
• what formula will the patient require
• degree of risk for aspiration or tube displacement
• prognosis/stage of life

Question 5

What are the 3 routes of enteral feeding?

Answer 5

Gastric (stomach)
Duodenum (small bowel)
Jejunum (small bowel)