Enteral Nutrition Management

Overview

Enteral nutrition involves delivering liquid nutrients via a tube into the gastrointestinal tract for patients who have a functional gut but cannot swallow. This method is preferred over parenteral nutrition because it maintains gut integrity and has a lower risk of infection. Nurses are responsible for ensuring correct tube placement, monitoring for complications, and managing delivery systems.

Key nursing concepts

• Enteral nutrition provides nutrients directly into the GI tract.
• Nasogastric tubes are used for short-term therapy less than 4 weeks.
• Gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes are for long-term nutritional support.
• Formula selection is based on the patient's digestive and metabolic needs.
• Continuous versus intermittent bolus feeding methods.
• Aspiration prevention is the highest nursing priority.

Important nursing considerations

• Monitor intake and output to assess fluid balance.
• Verify tube placement by checking gastric pH before administration.
• Check gastric residual volume according to facility policy.
• Keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30 to 45 degrees.
• Monitor for signs of aspiration such as coughing or tachypnea.
• Flush the tube with water before and after medication administration.

Patient teaching

• Report abdominal bloating or nausea during feedings.
• Keep the head elevated for at least 1 hour after bolus feeds.
• Perform daily skin care around the tube insertion site.

Related practice questions

Real questions from the NursGuru bank, each with the answer and rationale.

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