Explanations 
Flashcards 
StudySmarter AI 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Exams 
Magazine 
Find a job 
Mobile App 
Jump to a key chapter
Understanding Enteral Feeding in Intensive Care Nursing
Enteral feeding is a common, yet vital aspect of nursing care within intensive care units. So, let's delve into its intricacies, understand its importance and learn the correct procedures to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.
An Overview: What is Enteral Feeding?
Enteral feeding refers to the delivery of nutritionally complete feed, containing protein, carbohydrate, fat, water, minerals and vitamins, directly into the gut via a tube. It plays a key role in maintaining nutritional health of patients who can't consume food orally.
Enteral Feeding: The process of providing nutritional support via tube feed directly into the gastrointestinal tract.
The Importance of Enteral Feeding in Nursing
Understanding the role and importance of enteral feeding in nursing is essential. Proper nutrition is critical for patient recovery, particularly in intensive care settings where patients may be incapable of conventional eating due to critical illness or surgery.
Malnutrition in hospitalised patients can lead to lower immune response, increased susceptibility to infections, muscle wasting, longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates. Therefore, enteral feeding serves as an effective method to prevent these complications.
Getting to Grips with the Enteral Feeding Tube
Enteral feeding tubes serve as a bridge between the patient and their nutritional needs. The tubes can be small-bore or large-bore and can be inserted via the nose, mouth or directly into the stomach or small intestine.
- Nasogastric Tube: Inserted via the nose, down the esophagus and into the stomach.
- Orogastric Tube: Inserted via the mouth and into the stomach.
- Gastrostomy Tube: Inserted directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall.
- Jejunal Tube: Inserted into the middle part of the small intestine (jejunum).
Safely Administering Enteral Feeding Tubes
Administering enteral feeding tubes is a crucial nursing skill. It should be performed with utmost care to avoid complications such as aspiration pneumonia, diarrhoea, electrolyte imbalances, and occlusion of the tube.
| Steps for Safe Administration | Considerations | |
| Proper Placement of Tube | Placement should be confirmed by X-ray prior to initial feeding or medication administration. For nasogastric and orogastric tubes, a pH test of aspirated gastric content can also be used. | |
| Tube Care | The tube should be regularly flushed with water to prevent clogging. Skin around a gastrostomy site should be checked for signs of infection. | |
| Monitoring | The patient's tolerance to the feed should be regularly assessed by monitoring for signs of discomfort, distress, or blockage in the tube. |
For instance, during a night shift, a nurse notices that a patient with an orogastric tube appears uncomfortable and is gesturing towards their abdomen. The nurse halts the feed, checks for signs of blockage by gently flushing the tube with water, and informs the on-call doctor to rule out any serious issues.
Navigating Parenteral vs Enteral Feeding in Nursing
Working as a nursing professional, you'll often encounter situations where both enteral and parenteral feeding methods are considered. Both strategies aim to provide nutrition to patients who cannot consume food orally, but they employ different methods and have varying benefits and challenges.
Pros and Cons of Enteral and Parenteral Feeding
Choosing between these two feeding methods requires a detailed understanding of their respective advantages and drawbacks.
Enteral Feeding: Pros and Cons
Enteral feeding works by delivering nutritionally complete food directly into the gut through a tube. This method is generally preferred as it utilises the natural digestive system, maintains gut integrity and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Pros: More physiological, cost-effective, lower risk of infections compared to parenteral feeding.
- Cons: May cause discomfort, risk of aspiration pneumonia, not suitable for patients with severe gastrointestinal disorders.
For example, a patient recovering from a severe throat surgery may not be able to swallow food, and hence, an nasogastric tube may be used for enteral feeding. Despite initial discomfort, the patient responds well to the feed, achieving nutritional targets without the need for intravenous supplementation.
Parenteral Feeding: Pros and Cons
Parenteral feeding is the administration of nutrients intravenously, bypassing the usual process of eating and digestion. This is essential in individuals where the gut cannot be used for food intake due to severe illness or surgery.
- Pros: Provides nutritional support when oral or enteral feeding is contraindicated, allows precise control of nutrient intake.
- Cons: More expensive, increased risk of infections, may lead to liver complications.
Key Differences Between Parenteral and Enteral Feeding
Understanding the key differences between enteral and parenteral feeding can aid your decision-making process.
Parenteral Feeding: The administration of nutrients directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous route, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.
| Factors | Enteral Feeding | Parenteral Feeding |
| Route | Nutrition delivered directly into the gut via a tube. | Nutrition administered directly into the bloodstream. |
| Cost | Typically cheaper | Usually more expensive |
| Risk of infection | Lower risk | Higher risk, especially bloodstream infections. |
| Usability | Can usually be used unless gastrointestinal system is severely compromised. | Primarily used when oral or enteral feeding is not possible. |
Even though parenteral feeding appears a convenient option, a major concern is the phenomenon of 'bacterial translocation'. When the gut is not used for a long time, the integrity of the gut barrier decreases, leading to the migration of bacteria from the gut to the bloodstream, causing potentially serious infections. Therefore, it's often said "If the gut works, use it".
Utilising the Enteral Feeding Pump in Nursing
Having in-depth knowledge and experience in the utilisation of the enteral feeding pump is an imperative skill in the nursing profession. These pumps are used to deliver nutrition accurately and continuously into the gut, facilitating improved patient nutritional health and supporting recovery.
Understanding how an Enteral Feeding Pump works
As you venture into the use of enteral feeding pumps, it's crucial to understand their mechanics and function. The enteral feeding pump operates by precisely delivering a specified volume of enteral feed into the patient's gastrointestinal tract over a predetermined period. Most pumps are electronically powered, with handheld versions offering portability and convenience.
Enteral Feeding Pump: A medical device used to deliver controlled amounts of nutrition directly into the patient's gastrointestinal tract.
The equipment usually consists of a feeding bag, a hanging pole, a set of tubing, a pump, and the feeding tube itself. The feed - usually a liquid nutrition mix - is stored in the feeding bag, suspended from the pole. The tube carries the feed from the bag to the patient's body. The pump controls the speed at which the feed is delivered through the tube.
Knowing the components and their functions is a prerequisite for secure handling and utilisation of the feeding pump. Remember, the goal is to ensure that the patient receives the right amount of nutrition at the right time.
| Component | Function |
| Feeding Bag | Holds the liquid feeding formula |
| Hanging Pole | Supports the feeding bag |
| Tube | Transports the feed from the bag to the patient |
| Pump | Regulates the flow rate of the feed |
| Feeding Tube | A conduit for delivering the feed into the patient's gastrointestinal tract. |
The enteral feeding pump significantly improves the quality of life for patients who require long-term nutritional support. It allows patients to enjoy a degree of mobility and comfort as the feeding can be conducted with them in a natural, upright posture.
Safe Practices for using an Enteral Feeding Pump
Operating an enteral feeding pump entails responsibility. It's crucial to adhere to standard safety practices, ensuring the patient's wellbeing while using the pump.
Before initiating the feed, always verify the correct patient, the correct feed, and the correct pump settings. Using aseptic technique when handling the enteral feed and the feeding pump is critical to reducing the risk of infection.
Before and after administering the feed or medication, the feeding tube should be flushed with water. This helps maintain tube patency and facilitates proper absorption of the medication.
Checking for signs of tube displacement, blockages, or any adverse reactions must be conducted regularly. Monitoring the patient’s tolerance to the feed is also an essential aspect, identified by observing the presence of discomfort, distention, nausea or vomiting. Documentation of the entire process is invaluable for continuity of care and evaluation of the nutrition support strategy.
| Safe Practices | Explanation | |
| Observing Aseptic Technique | Hands should be washed thoroughly and gloves should be worn when handling the feeding tube and pump. The feed must be kept clean and refrigerated, if not used immediately. | |
| Flushing the Tube | Prior to and after feeding or medication administration, the feeding tube should be flushed with water to keep it unclogged and to facilitate better absorption of medication. | |
| Monitoring Patients Response | Regularly assess patient for signs of discomfort, nausea, vomiting or distention. Stop the feed and report immediately, if noted. | |
| Recording Vital Information | Maintain a feeding log recording time of feed, amount given, and patient's response. |
Assume a patient with a nasojejunal tube is under your care, and you place the enteral feed on the pump. You put on gloves, clean the connection site, and ensure the pump settings align with the dietitian’s prescribed rate. The enteral feed is unobstructed, and flows accordingly into the patient. You monitor the patient for any signs of discomfort and nausea during the feed, to adjust the pump or seek immediate medical attention as required. After finishing, the tube is flushed with water, and necessary observations are documented.
Exploring Enteral Feeding Formulas in Intensive Care Nursing
In your journey as a budding nursing professional, gaining insights about enteral feeding formulas broadens your understanding of patient nutrition. Let's explore these essential elements needed for patient recovery in an intensive care setting.
Different Types of Enteral Feeding Formulas
Enteral feeding formulas are specially designed, nutritionally complete and balanced diets prescribed to patients who can't eat normally. These formulas vary according to nutritional composition and other special characteristics, catering to the varied needs of patients.
Enteral Feeding Formulas: These are medically formulated liquid diets, designed to cater to the nutritional needs of patients who are unable to eat regular food.
Primarily, enteral formulas are divided into three categories: polymeric, semi-elemental and elemental.
- Polymeric formulas: Also known as standard formulas, they are made up of whole proteins, carbohydrates and fats. They are suitable for patients with a healthy, functional gastrointestinal tract.
- Semi-elemental formulas: These contain partially broken-down proteins and simple sugars, making them easier to digest and absorb. They are used for patients with impaired digestion or absorption.
- Elemental formulas: These consist of very basic forms of nutrients (amino acids, simple sugars), requiring minimal digestion. They are used for patients with severely impaired digestive function.
The goal of any formula is to meet the patient's nutritional requirements, promote healing, and enhance recovery. The ideal formula for a patient depends on their individual nutrient requirements, ability to digest and absorb nutrients, disease state and potential intolerances or allergies.
Selecting the Right Enteral Feeding Formula
Selecting the appropriate enteral feeding formula involves consideration of several factors such as patient's nutritional needs, their underlying health conditions, gastrointestinal function and the ability to handle certain nutrient compositions. Coordination with the healthcare team, especially the dietitian, is crucial in this process.
| Factors to Consider | Description | |
| Nutritional Needs | The patient’s calorie, protein, vitamin and mineral requirements should be determined first. | |
| Gastrointestinal Function | If the patient’s gut function is impaired, an elemental or a semi-elemental formula might be more suitable. | |
| Underlying Health Conditions | Presence of diseases like kidney failure, liver disease, or a high risk of lung aspiration could affect the choice of the formula. | |
| Patient Tolerance and Acceptance | The patient’s ability to tolerate certain formulas and their preference towards certain characteristics such as taste can influence the choice of formula. |
Let's say a patient with chronic pancreatitis, malabsorption syndrome and a high risk of malnutrition is under your care. After consulting with the healthcare team, a decision is made to start enteral nutrition. Given the patient's impaired digestive function, a semi-elemental formula is chosen. This formula can be digested with less pancreatic enzyme activity, hence suiting the patient's condition. Additionally, it is calorically dense, helping the patient meet their high energy requirements despite the intake volume limitations.
Analysing Types of Enteral Feeding and Enteral Feeding vs TPN
Digging deeper into the concept of enteral feeding leads us to a comparison with another form of nutrition therapy, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). You'll find that understanding these approaches not only enriches your foundational nursing knowledge, but significantly contributes to your patient management skills. So let's discover more.
Understanding the Different Types of Enteral Feeding
The method of enteral feeding chosen for a patient depends largely on the patient's gastrointestinal anatomical integrity, disease type, and overall clinical condition.
Enteral Feeding: This refers to the delivery of nutrients directly into the gut, typically via a tube inserted through the nasal passage, mouth, or directly into the stomach or intestines.
Primarily, there are three types of enteral feeding methods – Nasoenteric feeding, Gastric feeding, and Jejunal feeding.
- Nasoenteric (or nasogastric/nasojejunal) feeding: A tube is passed through the nose, down the oesophagus and ends either in the stomach (nasogastric) or passed further into the jejunum (nasojejunal). Suited for short-term use, most common in acute conditions.
- Gastric (or gastrostomy) feeding: A tube is introduced directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall. Preferred for long-term home enteral nutrition or patients with risk of aspiration.
- Jejunal (or jejunostomy) feeding: A tube is inserted directly into the jejunum through the abdominal wall. This method is utilised when gastric feeding isn't possible due to stomach dysfunction or risk of aspiration.
Decisions on the type of enteral feeding to use hinge on comprehensive patient assessment and the feasibility of the process based upon individual patient circumstances. For instance, while nasoenteric feeding is less invasive and easier to initiate, gastrostomy or jejunostomy feeding may be more suitable for specific patients such as those with recurrent pulmonary aspiration or severe gastroparesis. Deciding on the appropriate feeding method plays a crucial role in maximising nutritional benefits and minimising associated risks.
Debunking the Enteral Feeding vs TPN Debate
When oral or enteral nutrition is not feasible, another method called Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) comes into play. TPN is a way of supplying all daily nutritional needs via a catheter placed into a central vein, bypassing the digestive tract.
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN): This is a method of delivering complete nutrition directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.
| Aspect | Enteral Feeding | TPN |
| Route of delivery | Through the gut | Directly into bloodstream |
| Indications | Functional gut, difficulty with oral intake | Non-functional gut or contraindication to enteral feeding |
| Risks | Aspiration, diarrhoea, constipation, tube dislodgement | Infection, liver disease, metabolic complications |
For instance, if a severely malnourished patient with Crohn's disease is unable to tolerate oral or enteral food intake, TPN might be considered. However, a patient who has undergone esophageal surgery, yet possesses a functional stomach and intestines, can benefit from appropriate gastric or jejunal enteral feeding strategy instead.
Enteral Feeding - Key takeaways
- Enteral feeding: A method of delivering nutritionally complete food directly into the gut through a tube, utilizing the natural digestive system and promoting gut bacteria growth.
- Parenteral feeding: This involves the administration of nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the usual process of digestion, used in cases where the gut can't be used for food intake due to severe illness or surgery.
- Enteral Feeding Pump: A medical device that precisely delivers a specific volume of enteral feed into the patient's gastrointestinal tract over a predetermined period, facilitating patient nutritional health and supporting recovery.
- Enteral Feeding Formulas: Medically formulated liquid diets that cater to the nutritional needs of patients who are unable to eat regular food, available in polymeric, semi-elemental, and elemental formats depending on the patient's digestive abilities and nutritional needs.
- Enteral feeding vs TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition): TPN is different from enteral feeding as it provides nutritional support intravenously, bypassing the digestive system. While enteral feeding is typically cheaper and has a lower risk of infection, TPN allows easier control over nutrient intake and avoids the discomfort associated with enteral feeding, at the trade-off of a higher risk of infection and liver complications.
Learn faster with the 15 flashcards about Enteral Feeding
Sign up for free to gain access to all our flashcards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Enteral Feeding
About StudySmarter
StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Learn more