Enteral Tube Feeding
Enteral nutrition (EN) provides nutrients into the GI tract
o Preferred method for patients having trouble swallowing/taking in nutrients orally but has
functioning GI tract.
o Receive formula via nasogastric, jejunal, or gastric tube.
o Low risk of gastric reflux would receive gastric feedings
o High risk of gastric reflux would receive jejunal feedings.
o After insertion of enteral tube, you HAVE to check placement via x-ray before 1st feeding
Enteral formula:
o Polymeric- milk-based blenderized foods
o Modular- consists of single macronutrient preparations and is NOT nutritionally complete
o Elemental- predigested nutrients that are easier for a partially dysfunctional GI tract to absorb
o Specialty- designed to meet specific nutritional needs in certain illnesses
Feeding rates:
o Start at full strength at slow rates
o Increase hourly rate every 8-12 hrs per order if no sign of intolerance
High gastric residuals, nausea, cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea)
o Feeding by enteral route reduces sepsis, minimized hypermetabolic response to trauma,
decreases hospital mortality and maintains intestinal structure and function
Enteral nutrition (EN) provides nutrients into the GI tract
o Preferred method for patients having trouble swallowing/taking in nutrients orally but has
functioning GI tract.
o Receive formula via nasogastric, jejunal, or gastric tube.
o Low risk of gastric reflux would receive gastric feedings
o High risk of gastric reflux would receive jejunal feedings.
o After insertion of enteral tube, you HAVE to check placement via x-ray before 1st feeding
Enteral formula:
o Polymeric- milk-based blenderized foods
o Modular- consists of single macronutrient preparations and is NOT nutritionally complete
o Elemental- predigested nutrients that are easier for a partially dysfunctional GI tract to absorb
o Specialty- designed to meet specific nutritional needs in certain illnesses
Feeding rates:
o Start at full strength at slow rates
o Increase hourly rate every 8-12 hrs per order if no sign of intolerance
High gastric residuals, nausea, cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea)
o Feeding by enteral route reduces sepsis, minimized hypermetabolic response to trauma,
decreases hospital mortality and maintains intestinal structure and function
