Nasogastric intubation and Enteral Feeding pumps

Question 1

What is enteral tube feeding?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 1

• refers to the delivery of nutriotnally compete feed directly into the GI tract via a tube

Question 2

What is a nasogastric tube?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 2

• placed via the nose and passed down the oesophagus with the feeding tip ending in the stomach
• choice or tube is determined on length of time in situ

Question 3

When would an NG tube be implemented?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 3

• if the patient is unable to meet nutritonal needs through oral intake alone
• the GI tract is accessible and functioning
• to avoid further loss of bodyweight, maintain hydration and correct significiant nutriotional defeciencies
• most common type, used for short term feeding 2-4 weeks

Question 4

When is NG tube insertion contradicted?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 4

• in patients who require long term enteral feeding, in this case it may make more sense to use gastrostomy tube
• patients with altered anatomy that makes it impossible for the tube to sit comfortably

Question 5

What are the social and psychological impacts associated with an NG tube?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 5

• self-conscious
• altered perceptions of body immage
• limits social activity due to embarrassment, leading to isolation
• reminder of ill health leading to poor mood
• distressing

Question 6

What care is associated with NG tubes?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 6

• checking tube is situated at correct placement- do this by checking aspirate with pH paper or X-ray
• regular flushing of tube before and after administering feed or medication
• once removed oral intale of food and fluids should be monitored in a fluid balance and food record chart

Question 7

What is a gastronomy?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 7

• more suitable than an NG tube when enteral tube feeding is expected to last more than 4 weeks
• may be percutaneous edoscopically placed gastrostomy or radiologically inserted gastrostomy (PEG or RIG)

Question 8

Describe enteral feeding equipment.

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 8

• may be a bolus via intermittent or continuos infusion, via gravity or oump assisted
• feeds are commercially prepared, available in liquid or powder form. sterile when packaged

Question 9

Discuss some complications involving enteral tube feeding.

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 9

• aspiration- may be regurgitation of feed, poor gastic emptying or incorrect placement of NG tube
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• abdominal distension
• blocked tube

Question 10

What is a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy)?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 10

• procedure used to place a feeding tube into the stomach through the abdominal wall.
• commonly used when a person is unable to eat or swallow food safely due to medical conditions such as stroke, head injury, neurological disorders, or certain cancers.

Question 11

What is RIG (Radiologically Inserted Gastrostomy)?

(Royal Marsden, 2020)

Answer 11

• performed under radiological guidance, often using fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to guide the placement of the feeding tube.
• preferred when endoscopic access to the stomach is challenging due to anatomical variations, prior surgeries, or other factors.
• used when the patient cannot tolerate endoscopic procedures or when there are contraindications to endoscopy.