What do you need a feeding tube?
fgarati
February 9, 2023
Did you know that feeding tubes are more than just a way to provide nutrition? Sure, they’re commonly used for delivering nutrients directly into the digestive system when an individual can’t eat or drink by mouth. But there’s so much more these versatile medical tools can do! This article explores all of their uses: from providing sustenance and administering medication, to decompressing stomachs and removing contents. Get informed now about this amazing tool today!
Table of contents: What do you need a feeding tube for
When using a feeding tube for all the above, it’s important to follow all the precautions and guidelines provided by your service provider to ensure safe and effective use of the feeding tube. Some of the important things to keep in mind include:
Proper placement of the feeding tube: Before starting the feeding, it’s important to check that the feeding tube is in the correct position and has not become dislodged. Your service provider will be able to show you how to check the placement of the feeding.
Correct administration of the feeding: The dietician will advise you on the correct amount and type of formula or food to use, as well as the rate at which it should be administered. It’s important to follow these instructions closely to ensure that you receive the right amount of nutrition and hydration.
Monitoring for complications: It’s important to monitor for any complications that may arise during the feeding, such as discomfort, abdominal pain, or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to stop the feeding and contact your dietician immediately.
Proper care of the feeding tube: To ensure the longevity of your feeding tube, it’s important to keep it clean and properly maintained. This includes regularly cleaning the skin around the insertion site and keeping the stoma site dry, as well as checking for any signs of infection or blockage.
Elevate your head during tube feeding: To reduce the risk of reflux or regurgitation. This can be done by placing a pillow or two under the head of your bed, or by using a specialised bed wedge. Elevating your head during feeding can help ensure that the formula or food travels down into your stomach instead of flowing back up into the mouth or throat leading to aspiration of gastric contents (Llanos, 2009).
Additionally, it’s important to flush the feeding tube regularly with water, usually every 4 hours or as advised by your dietitian. Flushing the tube helps to keep it clear of any clogs or blockages and ensures that it is working properly (WebMD, n.d.). This is particularly important if you are receiving multiple medications through the feeding tube, as it helps to prevent the buildup of medication residues and ensures that they are delivered to your stomach effectively (Llanos, 2009).
By following these guidelines and precautions, you can help ensure that your feeding tube is working properly and that you are receiving the necessary nutrition, hydration, and medications in a safe and effective manner.
Providing Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. However, there may be situations where oral feeding is not possible or practical. For example, if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to swallow or digest food, or if you are unable to eat due to a surgical procedure, you may need a feeding tube.
With a feeding tube, you can receive all the necessary nutrients for your body to function properly, even if you are unable to eat or drink by mouth. The tube is attached to a bag of liquid nutrition that is slowly dripped into your stomach, allowing you to receive the proper nutrients without having to eat or drink (Llanos, 2009).
In emergency situations, such as in a hypoglycaemic event, it’s important to be aware of the “15 X 15 rule.” This rule states that in the event of hypoglycaemia, a person should consume 15 grams of a quick-acting carbohydrate, such as fruit juice or candy, and wait 15 minutes before checking blood sugar levels again (Llanos, 2009). This rule can also be applied when administering a feeding formula through a feeding tube, with the appropriate adjustments made based on the individual’s nutritional needs and blood sugar levels. It is important to keep the 15g of fast acting cabohydrates ready in the hypobox to cater for such emergencies if you are living with diabetes and tube feeding.
Providing Fluids
In addition to providing nutrition, a feeding tube can also be used to provide fluids to the body if you are unable to drink enough or if you are dehydrated. The fluids can be delivered directly into your stomach or small intestine, ensuring that your body is receiving the necessary hydration (WebMD, n.d.).
Providing Medication
In addition to providing nutrition and hydration, a feeding tube can also be used for administering medication. If you have difficulty swallowing pills or liquid medicines, this method of delivery can be a convenient and effective way to receive your medications (Llanos, 2009).
However, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions and considerations when administering medication through a feeding tube. For example, it is not advisable to crush medication before administering it through the tube, as this can alter the way the medication is absorbed and affect its effectiveness (Llanos, 2009).
Your service provider, pharmacist and GP should be aware of any medications you are taking and be able to advise you on the best way to administer them through your feeding tube. They may suggest waiting a certain amount of time after the feeding is finished to administer the medication, or adjusting the dose to ensure it is delivered correctly.
It’s also important to flush the feeding tube with water before and after administering medication to ensure that the tube remains patent and the medication is delivered into your stomach. This helps to prevent the medication from becoming trapped in the tube and reduces the risk of irritation or blockage (Llanos, 2009).
Decompressing the Stomach
Sometimes, the stomach can become distended, causing discomfort and bloating. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including surgery, medical conditions, or certain medications (Llanos, 2009).
A feeding tube can be used to relieve discomfort and bloating associated with stomach distension by decompressing the stomach. The tube allows air and gas to escape the stomach, reducing pressure and discomfort. In addition, the liquid nutrition can help to soften and break down any accumulated food or material in the stomach, further reducing distension.
Removing Stomach Contents
In some medical emergencies, it may be necessary to remove the contents of the stomach. For example, if you have ingested a toxic substance or have a condition that affects your ability to properly digest food, your healthcare provider may need to remove the contents of your stomach to prevent further harm (Llanos, 2009).
A feeding tube can be used for removing stomach contents. The tube is attached to a bag that gently removes the contents above the intestinal obstruction.
Conclusion
A feeding tube is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of medical purposes. Whether you need it for providing nutrition, administering medication, decompressing the stomach, or removing stomach contents, a feeding tube can be a valuable tool in managing your health and well-being.
Don’t let your feeding tube needs hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Contact Truworth Care today and take the first step towards better nutrition, hydration, and medication management through your feeding tube. Our team is standing by to assist you with all of your needs and answer any questions you may have.
Call us today on 0410 306 448 and discover the difference that Truworth Care can make in your life!
References:
Llanos, M. (2009). “Feeding Tubes: What You Need to Know.” WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/feeding-tubes-what-you-need-to-know#1
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Tube feeding: Overview. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/home-enteral-nutrition/about/pac-20384955
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Tube Feeding. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/tube-feeding
WebMD. (n.d.). “Feeding Tubes: What You Need to Know.” WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/feeding-tubes-what-you-need-to-know#1
