Enteral feeding is a critical medical intervention that provides nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal tract. Enteral nutrition, or tube feeding, involves a feeding tube that goes directly into the stomach or small intestine, bypassing the mouth and esophagus. It is used when a person is unable to consume adequate nutrition orally, but their digestive system is still functioning normally.
Enteral nutrition can provide a person’s nutritional needs or supplement their oral intake. The liquid formulas used in enteral nutrition are high in energy, protein, and other essential nutrients to complement a person’s regular diet.
What is Enteral Feeding?
Enteral feeding involves delivering a specially formulated liquid diet through a tube that connects to the stomach or small intestine. This can be done via various types of feeding tubes, such as nasogastric (NG) tubes, gastrostomy (G-tubes), or jejunostomy (J-tubes). The primary purpose of enteral feeding is to ensure that patients receive adequate nutrition.
How Does Enteral Feeding Work?
The process begins with a nurse inserting a feeding tube. Once in place, a nutritional formula is delivered through the tube at specific intervals. Dietitians design these formulas to balance carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, ensuring the patient receives all the essential nutrients.
Enteral feeding can be administered in various ways:
- Continuous Feeding: A constant flow of nutrition is delivered over 24 hours.
- Intermittent Feeding: Nutritional formula is given at regular intervals throughout the day.
- Bolus Feeding: Larger amounts of formula are delivered several times daily, mimicking regular meals.
When is Enteral Feeding Used?
- Neurological Conditions: Patients with conditions like stroke, ALS, or head injuries may have difficulty swallowing.
- Cancer: Patients undergoing treatment may experience nausea or loss of appetite.
- Critical Illness: Individuals in intensive care or with severe trauma may require enteral feeding to support recovery.
- Chronic Illness: Conditions like cystic fibrosis or severe malnutrition may necessitate enteral feeding to maintain adequate nutrition.
Administering Medication Through Enteral Feeding
One of the advantages of enteral feeding is the ability to administer medications alongside nutritional support. Medications can be given via the feeding tube, often as crushed tablets mixed with water. Here’s how it works:
- Consult with a Healthcare Provider: Always check with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure the medication can be crushed and is safe for enteral administration.
- Crushing Tablets: Use a pill crusher, mortar, and pestle to crush the tablets into powder finely.
- Mixing with Water: Combine the crushed medication with a small amount of water to create a slurry.
- Administering via tube: A syringe gently pushes the mixture through the feeding tube. Ensure the tube is clear and free of blockages before administering.
- Flushing the Tube: After administering the medication, flush the tube with water to ensure all medication is administered and to maintain tube patency.
Enteral feeding is a vital tool in modern medicine, ensuring that patients receive the nutrition they need to support their recovery and maintain their health. By understanding how it works, when it is used, and how medications can be safely administered, healthcare providers and caregivers can optimise the care of patients requiring this essential support. Whether it’s due to a short-term condition or a chronic illness, enteral feeding can significantly enhance the quality of life for many individuals.