Enteral vs Parenteral Nutrition

Question 1

What happens in refeeding syndrome

Answer 1

Sudden drops in Na, K, Mg and nutrient losses due to sudden increase in carbohydrate levels

Question 2

Why is enteral feeding preferred

Answer 2

• using the gastrointestinal tract as much as possible.
  Enteric villi can start to atrophy if not used leading to bacterial relocation throughout the gut.
  Enterocytes require food to function

Question 3

What is parenteral nutrition

Answer 3

nutrition that can be directly placed within the animals venous circulation.
TPN vs PPN- total/partial
Normally referral skill.
Liquid made up for lipids, amino acids and glucose through a enterally placed catheter.
Catheter could be multi-lumened
fluid therapy and continuous blood electrolyte monitoring should be maintained

Question 4

Complications with parenteral feeding (4)

Answer 4

Infection at Cather placement site, phlebitis (inflamed vain), hyperglycaemia, hyperlipaemia

Question 5

How long should assisted feeding be discontinued over

Answer 5

6-12 hrs

Question 6

Problems with feeding tubes (5)

Answer 6

Blockages
Dislodging of the tube, movement
Trauma
Infection
Over-granulation

Question 7

How and when to flush feeding tubes

Answer 7

5ml prior to feeding to check tube placement, 10-20ml post feeding to clean out tube, needs to be considered when you think about volume being given