Enteral feedings

Definition

Enteral feedings involve delivering nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract through a tube. This method is used when a patient cannot consume food orally but has a functioning digestive system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enteral feeding is preferred over parenteral nutrition because it maintains gut integrity and reduces infection risk.
2. There are different types of enteral feeding tubes, including nasogastric (NG), gastrostomy (G-tube), and jejunostomy (J-tube).
3. Common complications include aspiration, tube displacement, and gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.
4. Enteral feedings can impact neurological patients by preventing malnutrition and supporting cognitive function recovery.
5. The formula used in enteral feedings can be tailored to meet specific nutritional needs, including high-protein or low-carb formulations.

Review Questions

• What are the main advantages of enteral feeding over parenteral nutrition?
• Name at least two types of enteral feeding tubes and their insertion sites.
• What are some common complications associated with enteral feedings?

Related terms

Parenteral Nutrition:

Delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.

Nasogastric Tube: A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach for short-term enteral feeding.

Gastrostomy Tube: A tube surgically placed through the abdomen into the stomach for long-term enteral feeding.