Feeding Modes

Question 1

What are the 3 main feeding modes?

Answer 1

Oral
Enteral;directly into GIT
Parenteral; through veins

Question 2

List indications of enteral tube feeding.

Answer 2

unconscious patients 
GIT obstruction 
People with burns; increase nutritional supply 
Eating disorders
Mentally ill

Question 3

The purpose of enteral tube feeding is…..

Answer 3

1. administration of medication
2. drainage of stomach contents
3. keep oesophagus open
4. administration of bolus, intermittent, and continuous fluids

Question 4

Differentiate between oral-gastric, naso-gastric, naso-jejunal, and gastrostomy.

Answer 4

Oral-gastric; tube passed from mouth, oropharynx, esophagus, and stomach
Naso-gastric; nose, oropharynx, esophagus, and stomach
Naso-jejunal; nose, oropharynx, esophagus, upper part of small intestine
Gastrostomy; direct into stomach

Question 5

Name 3 types of nasogastric tubes. Which one is used for feeding?

Answer 5

Levin catheter; single lumen (used for feeding)
Salem Sump catheter (double lumen)
Andersen tube (also double lumen)

Question 6

What are the contraindications of enteral tube feeding?

Answer 6

recent nasal surgery

severe mid-face trauma

Question 7

Why can’t the Salem sump catheter or the Andersen tube be used for patient feeding?

Answer 7

These tubes are only for irrigation, suction, and delivery of medication into the gastric environment.

Question 8

List 3 pros and cons of enteral tube feeding.

Answer 8

Cons

1. risk of aspiration = aspiration pneumonia
2. risk of anatomical discruption (oesophagial perforation)
3. causes discomfort

Pros

1. Preserves mucosal integrity
2. Less hyperglycemia
3. Preserves hepatic immune function

Question 9

Define parenteral feeding.

Answer 9

infusion of a solution of nutrients directly into a vein to meet caloric and nutritional requirements

Question 10

4 Indications of parenteral feeding include…

Answer 10

1. dysfunctional GIT
2. patients who have had recent intestinal surgery
3. chronic malnutrition
4. fistulas
5. burn patients

Question 11

What are the contents of a parenteral feeding solution?

Answer 11

Amino acids (maximum 5%) 
Lipids (maximum 20%) 
Dextrose (maximum D10W) 
Vitamins and Minerals 
Essential fatty acids

Question 12

State 3 pros and cons of parenteral feeding.

Answer 12

Cons

1. Expensive
2. Risk of infection and damage to veins

Pros

1. Less medicine needed as it goes directly into bloodstream
2. Fast and effective
3. Difficult for microorganisms to reproduce in the solution

Question 13

Differentiate TOTAL PARENTILE NUTRITION from PERIPHERAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION.

Answer 13

Total parentile nutrition- food/drug administered into the superior vena cava (largest vein in the body)
Peripheral parenteral nutrition - administration outside superior vena cava (ex; cephalic vein); fluids are less concentrated; used for short-term purposes

Question 14

Give 4 examples of parenteral nutrition.

Answer 14

1. LIpovenous; fat
2. Aminosteril; protein
3. 10% dextrose (D10W)
4. Kabiven; amino acids, electrolyte, and dextrose