Feeding (paraenteral and enteral)

Question 1

Define Enteral feeding:

Answer 1

This is feeding via the GI tract.

If possible by mouth but if there is a risk of aspiration or coughing then semi-solid diet given.

Tube feeding is a liquid diet (can be specific for a disease such as high amino acid diet for cirrhosis).

It is inserted radio-logically, endoscopically or surgically

Question 2

Define paraenteral feeding:

Answer 2

This is when the nutrition is given directly via the IV as the GI tract is not functioning.

Question 3

Indications for enteral feeding:

Answer 3

Increased nutritional demand - sepsis, surgery

Decreased nutritional intake - dysphagia, nausea, sedation, coma

Increased nutritional loss - malabsorption

Effect of treatments (nausea and diarrhoea)

Enforced starvation

Question 4

Indications for paraenteral feeding:`

Answer 4

Poor absorption - Crohn’s or short bowel syndrome

GI tract not functioning (bowel obstruction)

High risk malnutrition

Question 5

Complications of paraentral feeding:

Answer 5

Sepsis

Refeeding syndrome

Thrombosis of the IV line leading to a PE or SVC obstruction

pneumothorax

embolism of the IV line

Question 6

Complications of enteral feeding:

Answer 6

Refeeding syndrome

Fluid imbalance

Infection at the site of insertion

Aspiration

Agitation

Tube malpositioning