Managing EN Complications Flashcards
How to manage GRVs?
- Start prokinetic as 1st line therapy (Metoclopramide, erythromycin)
- Change En regimen to a higher density formula
- Switch En administration from gastric to post-pyloric
- Elevate HOB to at least 30-45 degrees
According to the MUHC algorithm, all _____ patients should be evaluated for ______ in Step 1.
- Gastric fed patients
- Aspiration
The MUHC algorithm requires to confirm ______ before initiating ___ in Step 2
- Feeding tube in place
- Feeds
The MUHC algorithm indicates that an elevated HOB of ______ during feeding unless _____ in Step 3.
- 30-45 degrees at all times
- Contraindicated
The MUHC algorithm indicates that measuring GRVS ____ for the first 48 hours as Step 4.
q4h
After Step 4, what does the MUHC algorithm recommend if GV <250 ml? In non-critically ill? Critically ill?
- Re-instill gastric contents and progress feeds per protocol until EN goal rate achieved
- In non-critically ill, continue to monitor GRVs q8h and discontinue after 48h if no sign of intolerance
- In critically-ill, continue to monitor GRVs q4h
After Step 4, What does the MUHC algorithm recommend if GRVs between 250-500 mls and there is no signs of intolerance?
- Re-instill 250 ml gastric contents
- Resume feeds are currently tolerated rate
After Step 4, What does the MUHC algorithm recommend if GRVs between 250-500 mls and signs of intolerance?
- Re-instill 250 ml of gastric contents
- Inform MD and Clinical Dietitian
- Consider replacing with small bowel feed or initiate pro-kinetic
After Step 4, What does the MUHC algorithm recommend if GRVs >500 ml ?
- Discard aspirate
- Inform MD and Clinical Dietitian
- Proceed as per MD assessment
What is aspiration?
The inhalation fo material into the area, which often included gastric contents or tube feeding formula
What is a complication of aspiration?
Aspiration pneumonia
List the common complications of EN?
- Refeeding syndrome
- GI complications
- Aspiration
- Metabolic alterations
- Dehydration
- Tube related complications
Discuss re-feeding syndrome
-The intracellular shift of fluids, electrolytes and minerals that occur during the repletion of a severely malnourished or starved patient –> Shift from fat to CHO utilization
Hallmark sign of re-feeding?
Hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesia and hypokalemia
(T/F) Re-feeding may be caused by D5W
True, as the dextrose may be enough to elicit the insulingenic response
Energy and dextrose protocol to prevent refeeding?
- <25% of goal energy on day 1, an work towards goal in 2-5 days
- = 1.5 g/kg/day of dextrose
- Increase rates as tolerated, and monitor intake, output and patient weight
What should dextrose not exceed on day 1? What if at high risk of RF?
- 200 g/day
- 100 g/day
Who is at risk of refeeding?
1) When patient has one or more of the following
- BMI <16 kg/m^2
-Unintentional weight-loss greater than 15% in 3-6 mo
-Poor or no intake for >10 days
-Low K, P or Mg prior to feeding
OR
2) Alternate criteria
What is the alternate criteria which may indicate a patient at risk for refeeding?
2) Patient has two or more of the following:
- BMI <18.5
- Unintentional weight loss >10% within 3-6 mo
- Poor or no intake for >5 days
What are other risk factors for re-feeding?
- Malnutrition
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Cancer
- AN
- Short bowel syndrome, IBD
- Elderly
- Low birth weight
- Chronic infections
What can RF lead to?
- Arrhythmia’s
- Respiratory and cardiac failure
- Aspiration
- Death
(T/F) Electrolyte deficiencies can occur in the presence of normal serum levels
T
What should be administered to prevent and treat RF?
- Thiamine
- Phosphate
- Potassium
- Magnesium
Thiamine in RF?
5-10 mg/day of thiamine through IV
-may be higher, 50-300 mg or 100 mg for 5 days depending on severity
When may aggressive thiamine repletions of 100mg x 5days be warranted?
-Vomiting
-Gastric Sx
-Alcoholism
-
What kind of phosphate supplement is typically used?
- Potassium phosphate, unless potassium is > 4 mmol/l
- We can treat electrolyte deficiencies together
Normal serum phosphate?
3.-4.5 mg/dl
Mild serum phosphate and corrective IV phosphorus dose?
- 2.3-2.7
- 0.08-0.16
Moderate serum phosphate and corrective IV phosphorous dose?
- 1.5-2.2
- 0.16-0.32
Severe serum phosphate and corrective IV phosphorus dose?
- <1.5
- 0.32-1
Why is magnesium difficult to dose and treat?
-We don’t have a reliable sense or maker of body magnesium, or the amount fo magnesium truly in foods
What is the maximum infusion rate of mg in asymptomatic ?
-8 mEq/h and up to 96 mEq over 12 hours
What is the maximum infusion rate of mg in severe, symptomatic hypomagensemia?
-Up to 32 mEq over 4-5 mins
A total body deficit of ____ of K is required before serum values drop below normal
80 mEq
Why do serum levels of magnesium not necessarily correlate with intracellular concentrations or total body magnesium levels?
-Because only 1-2% of mg is located in the ECF
Incidence of N/V with EN?
7-26% of patients
Risks associated with N/V?
-Aspiration, pneumonia and sepsis
Etiologies of N/V? Are they often associated with EN?
- -> Not most linked to EN, however some that may be attributed to EN include:
- Rapid infusion
- Delayed emptying
- Cold EN solutions
Management of N/V is EN patients?
- Discuss alternative meds, such as narcotics (to slow down GI motility)
- Lower fat EN, room temp and isotonic
- Create osmolality closer to blood
- Rule out C.Diff
Feeding rate and deliver modifications in N/V?
- Consider switching from bolus to continuous
- If continuous, reduce rate by 20-25 ml/hour
- Monitor GRV q4h or before bolus
Discuss non EN causes of N/V?
- Hypotension
- Sepsis
- Stress
- Anesthesia and Sx –> almost in all patients
- Whipples
- Opiate meds, anticholinergics –> sorbitol containing
You are at the MUHC and have been asked to review the chart for a patient with abdominal distention and vomiting, you review the chart and learn the following:
o Mx: MVA (motor-vehicle accident), NS (normal saline) in view of head trauma, tube access available
o EN was continuous feed using NG and well tolerated, recently switched to bolus feeds with same formula; osmolyte 1kcal/ml
Which of the following strategies would NOT be a likely approach to manage this case? A) Check GRV before next bolus B) Revert back to continuous feeds C) Add a prokinetic agent D) Request stool cultures
D)
If the GRV is 300 ml, what would the nurse do?
-Return the GRC and administer pro-kinetic agent
If the GRV is 500 ml, what would the nurse do?
Revert to continuous feeds
What is the objective assessment for abdominal distension?
8-10 cm increase of abdominal girth
Common causes of abdominal distension?
-Ileus, obstruction, obstipation, ascites, diarrheal illness
When may distension be related to EN?
- Rapid administration
- Cold EN
- Fibre containing EN
Management of distention?
- Visual inspection and palpitation
- X-ray/contrast studies
In the context of distention, when may we continue EN? Discontinue?
- Continue if intestinal appearance and function appears normal
- Discontinue if motility os poor or there is marked distention
What may be done if EN cannot be continued to to distention?
- Initiation of PPN or CPN
- Or, stop EN, then continue with EN feeds
What should be done if we suspect EN is causing distension?
Look up the product formulary
-Consider switching if osmolality, fat and fibre is notably high