Enteral Feedings Flashcards
1
Q
Intermittent vs Enteral Feedings
A
- Intermittent feedings: 300 - 500 mL of formula several times a day
- continuous feedings: administration of formula over 24 hours set at a rate on feeding pump
- bag must be changed every 24 hours
- feeding at room temperature
2
Q
How to administer enteral feedings
A
- raise head of bed to 30 degrees or semi-fowler’s (remain in this position for at least 2 hours after feeding is done)
- assess bowel sounds
- check for food allergies and formula expiration date
- hand hygiene
- check placement of tube (xray)
- Check for residual for each feeding (if residual is more than the volume of previous feeding or provider’s identified volume, hold feeding and follow guideline’s orders)
- aspirate stomach residual and observe volume with syringe
- return aspirate residual to stomach to prevent loss of electrolytes
3
Q
Dumping Syndrome
A
- rapid emptying of stomach contents to small intestines
- rapid rate of enteral tube feeding is a potential cause of dumping syndrome
- eat smaller meals or slow infusion rate are helpful
4
Q
Flush
A
- Flush tubing with at least 40 to 50 mL of water following each feeding to maintain tube patency (or every 4 hours)
-If tube stops infusing, flush with 30 to 50 mL of warm water to re-establish flow and remove the clog - Flush with 15 to 60 mL of water after each medication to prevent tube from clogging
5
Q
Loose stools or diarrhea with continuous tube feedings
A
- decrease the rate of the feeding
6
Q
Displacement of NG tube manifestations
A
- aspiration and vomiting