Saturday, February 5, 2011

Some Enteral Feeding Info....

Technical Aspects of Enteral Feeding (Tube Feeding)

 Types of Enteral Feeding
 Administration of Tube Feeding: Bolus and Continuous Drip
 Equipment for Continuous Drip Feeding
 Nutritional Considerations
 Administration of Tube Feedings
 Medication and Tube Feedings
 Social Concerns with Tube Feeding
 Transition to Oral Feeding
Types of Enteral Feeding
The types of enteral feeding, or tube feeding, are named according to the feeding route used, i.e., the site where the feeding tube enters the body and the point at which the formula is delivered: nasogastric, nasoduodenal, nasojejunal, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy. The decision of which type of feeding to use is based on the expected duration of tube feeding as well as physiologic and patient-related factors. The types of tube feeding most commonly used are nasogastric feeding and gastrostomy feeding.
Nasogastric Tube Feeding
The nasogastric (NG) tube usually is used when tube feeding will be required for a short time (i.e., less than three months) although in some cases it can be used for several years. The major advantage of nasogastric, nasoduodenal, and nasojejunal feedings over gastrostomy or jejunostomy feeding is they do not require surgery. Therefore, they can be started quickly and they can be used either for short periods or intermittently with relatively low risk.
The disadvantages of NG feeding include nasal or esophageal irritation and discomfort (especially if used long-term); increased mucus secretion; and partial blockage of the nasal airways. Nasogastric feeding may contribute to recurrent otitis media and sinusitis. With infants, NG feeding can decrease the suck/swallow mechanism. Two additional disadvantages are the possibility that the tube will perforate the esophagus or the stomach and the possibility that the tube will enter the trachea, delivering formula into the lungs. If formula enters the lungs, severe or fatal pneumonitis can result; therefore, it is essential to confirm that the NG tube is in the stomach before feeding begins
Gastrostomy Tube Feeding
Gastrostomy tubes are well suited for long-term enteral feeding. Patient comfort with gastrostomies is an advantage over NG tubes. Gastrostomies do not irritate nasal passage, esophagus, or trachea, cause facial skin irritation, nor interfere with breathing. Gastrostomies are stable and more physiologic, allowing continued oral eating. There are button gastrostomies and other skin level feeding tubes that are easily hidden under a child's clothing. These require less daily care and interfere less with a child's movement. Gastrostomies use a large-bore tube, which allows a more viscous feedings and decreased risk of tube occlusion.
Disadvantages of gastrostomy feeding include the surgery required to place the tube, possible skin irritation or infection around the gastrostomy site, and a slight risk of intra-abdominal leakage resulting in peritonitis. Of special concern is the child with poor gastric emptying and/or severe reflux or intractable vomiting. These children have increased risk of aspiration. Please see section on aspiration.
Jejunal Tube Feeding
Tube feeding directly into the jejunum (i.e., the middle section of the small intestines) is used for children who cannot use their upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract because of congenital anomalies, GI surgery, immature or inadequate gastric motility, severe gastric reflux, or a high risk of aspiration. The jejunal tube bypasses the stomach decreasing the risk of gastric reflux and aspiration.
However, even for children with gastric retention and a high risk of aspiration, there are disadvantages to jejunal feeding. First, nasojejunal tubes and jejunal tubes passed from a gastrostomy to the jejunum are difficult to position and may dislodge or relocate; their position must be checked frequently by X-ray. A jejunostomy reduces problems of tube position. Second, jejunal feedings bypass the digestive and anti-ineffective mechanisms of the stomach. Third, they require continuous drip feeding which results in limited patient mobility and decreased ability to lead a "normal" life. Finally, when compared to gastric feedings, they carry a greater risk of formula intolerance, which may lead to nausea, diarrhea, and cramps. Intact nutrients may be given if the feeding is given in the proximal intestine, but elemental or semi-elemental feeding are required if the feeding is delivered more distally. These formulas are more expensive.
Administration of Tube Feeding: Bolus and Continuous Drip
Tube feedings can be administered by bolus feedings, continuous drip feedings or a combination of the two. The best is a combination of oral and tube feeding that fits into a child and family's schedule. Many of the complications of tube feeding arise from improper administration of formula.
Bolus Feeding
Bolus feedings are delivered four to eight times per day; each feeding lasting about 15 to 30 minutes. The advantages of bolus feedings over continuous drip feeding are that bolus feedings are more similar to a normal feeding pattern, more convenient, and less expensive if a pump is not needed. Furthermore, bolus feedings allow freedom of movement for the patient, so the child is not tethered to a feeding bag.
The disadvantages of bolus feedings are that they are aspirated more easily than continuous drip feedings, and in some children, they may cause bloating, cramping, nausea, and diarrhea. It may not be practical to bolus feed a child when the volume of formula a child needs is large or requires that the child needs to be fed around the clock.
Continuous Drip Feeding
Continuous drip feeding may be delivered without interruption for an unlimited period of time each day. However, it is best to limit feeding to 18 hours or less. Feeding around the clock is not recommended as this limits a child's mobility and may elevate insulin levels contributing to hypoglycemia. Commonly, it is used for 8 to 10 hours during the night for volume-sensitive patients so that smaller bolus feedings or oral feeding may be used during the day. Continuous drip feeding is delivered by either gravity drip or infusion pump. The infusion pump is a better method of delivery than gravity drip. The flow rate of gravity drip may be inconsistent and, therefore, needs to be checked frequently.
One advantage of continuous feeding over bolus feeding is that it may be tolerated better by children who are sensitive to volume, are at high risk for aspiration, or have gastroesophageal reflux. Continuous feeding can be administered at night, so it will not interfere with daytime activities. Continuous feeding increases energy efficiency, allowing more calories to be used for growth. This can be important for severely malnourished children. When feedings are delivered continuously, stool output is reduced, a consideration for the child with chronic diarrhea. Continuous infusions of elemental formula have been successful in managing infants with short bowel syndrome, intractable diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis, and Crohn's disease.
A disadvantage of continuous feeding is that the child is "tied" to the feeding equipment during the infusion, although feedings can be scheduled for night time and naptime feedings. Additionally, continuous feeding is more expensive because of the cost of the pump and additional feeding supplies which may be necessary. A child's medication needs to be considered as continuous feeding may interfere with serum concentration of some drugs.
Equipment for Continuous Drip Feeding
Feeding Tubes
When choosing a feeding tube, the following factors should be considered: the patient's age and size, the viscosity of the formula to be used, and the possible need for a pump. For nasogastric feeding, the smallest bore tube in a soft material will minimize patient discomfort. Large-bore tubes partially block the airways, may interfere with the function of the gastroesophageal sphincter, and may irritate the nose and throat. Tubes size 8 French or smaller are usually used for children. The size refers to the outside diameter of the tube; one French unit equals 0.33 mm. Tubes this small cannot accommodate thick or viscous feedings (e.g., homemade blenderized formula or commercial formula containing fiber).
Most of the tubes now available are made of polyurethane or silicone, both of which remain soft and flexible over time; these tubes are usually weighted at the end for easier nasogastric insertion. The more flexible tubes are difficult to place without using a stylet. Nonweighted tubes may be displaced during gagging, vomiting, or coughing spells; however, they are used regularly and without difficulty for intermittent feedings in newborns.
Skin level gastrostomy feeding devices such as the Baard button gastrostomy or MIC-KEY are available. They allow feeding tubes to be attached only when the child is being fed. These devices are easily hidden under a child's clothes without tubing extending from stomach. They may be placed surgically in the stomach wall or after a gastrostomy tube has been placed.
Pumps
There are many different enteral infusion pumps, varying in complexity, flow rate, and cost. Pumps can be rented from suppliers of medical equipment; however, for long-term use, it is less expensive to buy a pump. When deciding which type of pump to use, there are various considerations: availability, accuracy, cost, and ease of maintenance. The portable, battery-operated Kangaroo Pet Enteral Feeding Pump allows the child to attend school or go on outings. The Kangaroo pump fits neatly into a backpack.
Feeding Sets
Many of the pumps require their own feeding sets, including a container for the formula and tubing to connect the formula container to the feeding tube. Reuse of feeding sets can help minimize the cost. After use, the formula container, drip chamber, and tubing should be carefully cleaned with hot soapy water and rinsed thoroughly to remove the formula residue, which can cause bacterial contamination. It is best to have two feeding sets so that one can dry while the other is being used.
Additional Equipment
To give the child more mobility during continuous feeding, the feeding set can be hung on an IV pole and connected to a long length of tubing. Alternatives are to hang the feeding set on a plant hook above the bed or crib, on a nail in the wall or bedpost, or on a sturdy lamp or clothes tree. When traveling by car, the pump can be placed on the back seat with the feeding set hanging from the clotheshook. Miscellaneous supplies include syringes, gauze, catheter adapters, and tape.
Nutritional Considerations
In order to determine energy and nutrient needs, nutritional status should be assessed before tube feeding is started. The following table outlines the requirements of normal infants and children for water. For calorie, protein and other nutrient needs refer to the DRI’s. Adjust as needed for individual patient and condition.
Water Requirements for Infants and Children
Weight
Water

cc/kg
cc/lb
STEP 1
For first 10 kg or 22 lbs., provide
100-120
45
STEP 2
For second 10 kg or 22 lbs., provide
50
24
STEP 3
For weight over 22 kg or 44 lb., add to the amount above an additional:
20
10
These requirements are useful in formulating tube feedings for children with disabilities as long as any conditions that may alter the child's nutritional needs are taken into account. For example, cardiopulmonary stress may increase calorie needs, while decreasing tolerance to fluid volume; infection or the stress from surgery may increase both calorie and protein needs, and certain drugs may increase the requirement for specific vitamins or minerals. On the other hand, immobility tends to decrease calorie needs.
Energy
The only way to accurately evaluate an individual's caloric needs is to regularly monitor weight gain, growth, and actual caloric intake. If a child's caloric intake is inadequate, weight gain will be poor. If caloric intake is excessive, weight gain will be higher than that desired for linear growth. Factors that may change caloric needs include illness, increased seizure activity, surgery, increase in therapy or return to school, or changes in medication.
Children who have been chronically underweight while on oral feedings often gain excessive weight when put on tube feedings, sometimes to the point of obesity. In these children, two factors may be coming into play: oral-motor problems that interfere with adequate caloric intake by means of oral feeding, and caloric needs that are lower than expected. Cases such as these illustrate the necessity of routinely monitoring weight and caloric intake in tube-fed children.
Older children with delayed growth due to inadequate calories may have delayed puberty. With adequate calories provided enterally they may begin to experience puberty and its body changes into their 20s. These changes need to be assessed when determining calorie needs so weight gain is appropriate.
Fluid and Electrolytes
Water must be provided in sufficient quantities to replace fluid losses and allow for normal metabolism. Fluid requirements depend on the following variables: urine output, sweating, vomiting, fever, stool pattern, environment, renal disease, cardiac anomalies, tracheotomies and medications. Constant drooling also contributes to fluid losses. Water requirements can be estimated using the table above, as long as the above variables are considered. Signs of dehydration requiring additional fluid include: constipation, decreased urine output, strong smelling or dark urine, crying without tears, dry lips and skin, or sunken eyes.
Patients who rely on tube feedings as their sole source of nutrients are at risk for electrolyte imbalances, which may result in serious medical complications (e.g. hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, dehydration and cardiac arrythmias). These patients should be evaluated regularly for sodium, potassium, and chloride status. The following Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) provide guidelines for a safe and adequate intake of electrolytes.
Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride
Age
Sodium (g/d)
Chloride (g/d)
Potassium (g/d)
0-6 months
0.12
0.18
0.4
7-12 months
0.37
0.57
0.7
1-3 years
1.0
1.5
3
Vitamins and Minerals
To determine vitamin and mineral needs, the DRIs for age can be used as a base, unless the child's growth is markedly delayed. For the child with growth delay, the DRIs for height age can be used. The value of "height age" is obtained by finding the age at which the child's actual height would be at the 50th percentile on the CDC charts (See Growth Charts section). Children with inadequate caloric intakes, decreased absorption, and increased caloric needs should be considered for supplemental vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin and mineral requirements can be altered by medications (See Nutritional Impact of Medications). Other variables to consider are disease, previous medical and dietary history, and biochemical parameters.
In general, supplement needs of VLBW infants on enteral feedings are the same as those fed orally, please see section on Supplements.
For older children or those who require special attention to calcium, phosphorus, and iron, supplemental vitamins and iron can be given with feedings in the form of multivitamin-with-iron drops or crushed chewable tablets. Calcium can be provided by crushed antacid tablets of calcium carbonate (e.g., Tums - one regular Tums provides 200 mg Ca) or liquid calcium preparation (e.g., Titralac - one tsp. provides 400 mg Ca). Phosphorus can be provided by liquid Neutra-phos; 1 capsule provides 250 mg P. Note: This may have a laxative effect.
Trace elements should be evaluated for the patient on long-term enteral support. The risk of developing nutrient deficiencies increases with frequent vomiting or gastrointestinal disturbances. Children on long-term tube feedings need to be evaluated for fluoride intake, and may need to be supplemented. This will require a prescription from the child's physician or dentist. Children with cystic fibrosis or anomalies of the distal ileum and ileocecal valve may fail to absorb fat-soluble vitamins or to reabsorb bile salts.
All children who are receiving enteral feedings should be monitored routinely by a dietitian who has experience in pediatrics.
Feedings
Please see section on Infant Formulas and Breastfeeding for information that applies to infants less than 12 months corrected age. For information about products for enteral feeding for all children, please see section on Enteral Feeding Products for Children.
Administration of Tube Feedings
Infants who are beginning tube feedings with isotonic formulas or breast milk may be started at small volumes. Volume is gradually increased as the infant demonstrates tolerance. In the hospital, fluid needs are usually assured by IV fluid administration during this process.
Children beginning tube feedings may be started at full strength isotonic formulas or breast milk, given in low volumes. See recommendations below. Hypertonic formulas should be started at half strength. Children who have had no oral feedings for a long period of time or have a history of formula intolerance such as premature infants or children with short-gut, may require half-strength formula initially with gradual increases to full strength. In general, if a child needs diluted feedings, it is best to increase volume to make sure the child meets fluid needs then gradually increase concentration as the child can tolerate. Do not increase concentration and volume at the same time. Frequent adjustments may be necessary to help child and family adjust. It is best for feeding schedule to revolve around family schedule than the other way around.
Schedule to initiate enteral feeds:
Age Volume
Infants 10 ml/hour
Child 1-5 year 20 ml/hour
Child 5-10 years 30 ml/hour
Child >10 years 50 ml/hour
Advance rate as tolerated to goal rate to meet child's nutritional needs. Increase volume every 4-12 hours, and monitor carefully for tolerance. Tolerance is defined as absence of diarrhea, abdominal distension, vomiting or gagging.
The physician may require residuals to be checked on new tube feeding patients or when the child switches formula or medicine. To check residuals, attach syringe to feeding tube and pull back stomach contents. If residuals are >25-50% of previous bolus feeding or 2 times the hourly volume for continuous drip feeding, reduce the feeding to the previous volume and advance at a slower rate. Return stomach contents.
Medication and Tube Feedings
Many tube-fed children require extensive drug regimens. Although the feeding tube is a convenient avenue for administering medicine, some medications are incompatible with the enteral products, interacting with specific nutrients, or causing the feeding tube to clog.
Elixirs and suspensions can usually be delivered through the feeding tube without a problem. Also, simple compressed tablets can be crushed and mixed with water or the formula. In contrast, syrups are incompatible with tube feedings because they tend to clog the tube unless diluted with water. Solid medicines such as sustained-action tablets or capsules or enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed and delivered through the tube; once crushed, their action may be altered or they may cause gastrointestinal distress.
Before a drug is given through the tube, the residual gastric volume should be checked. If the residual volume is greater than 50% of the volume of the last bolus feeding or 50% of the volume delivered during 1 hour of continuous feeding, the drug may not be absorbed effectively.
A benefit of tube feeding is delivery of medication by tube. The child does not refuse to swallow medication, drool, or vomit medication. Medications need to be given separately, with water flushes in between to prevent clogging the feeding tube. Check to see if medications can be given together without changing drug absorption. Feedings may decrease the absorption of a drug like phenytoin (Dilantin). Medications should not be mixed with feedings. If the child is on continuous drip feedings, stop the feeding. If the medication needs to be given on an empty stomach, stop feeding and wait 15-30 minutes before administering the drug. Then wait one hour before resuming feeding.
Social Concerns with Tube Feeding
An important consideration in tube feeding is the family's ability and willingness to carry out the tube feeding program. Concerns include the availability and cost of equipment and formula, home sanitation and family hygiene, family support systems, and other psychosocial factors.
Before the child is discharged from the hospital, the caregiver(s) must be prepared for tube feeding. They should be thoroughly instructed on the following aspects of tube feeding: breast milk storage and handling, formula preparation, use and care of equipment, insertion of the tube, stoma care and emergency procedures. The caregivers should be encouraged to keep the following records in a notebook, which they should bring to each clinic visit: formula intake, stooling pattern, activity, behavior, medications, and instructions from medical staff. Before discharge, families should have a plan for expressing breast milk or obtaining and paying for formula, for obtaining and paying for enteral feeding supplies and for nutritional follow-up.
The caregiver(s) should be contacted daily for the first week the child is home, or until they feel secure with the tube feeding regimen. The follow-up can be provided by home visit, clinic visit, or telephone. The caregiver(s) should be given a phone number for 24-hour assistance regarding problems with tube feeding.
More than one family member or caregiver should be taught about the tube feeding to ensure continuity of the child's feeding program and to prevent isolation of the primary caregiver.
Family meals offer important learning experiences for children who are tube fed. It is important for the child to associate the satisfying feeling of fullness with the pleasant time of family meals, including social interactions, good smells and appearance of food. Even though the tube fed child may not experience the tastes and textures of oral feeding, he or she can benefit from the social experience. This is important if the child is to eventually transition from enteral to oral feeding.
When families are asked about enteral feeding their concerns include: finding a caretaker to tube feed their child; public ignorance about tube feeding; planning their social life around feeding schedule, and sadness over depriving a child of the pleasure of eating.
Feeding behaviors are often present before a child is tube fed and additional behaviors may develop while the child is tube fed. Patience is the key word. See section on Behavioral Problems Related to Feeding.
Transition to Oral Feeding
Transition to eating by mouth starts when the tube is first placed. It is important to follow an oral motor stimulation program with child who is tube fed. This is important so that the child can resume eating by mouth. The child needs to associate feeling in the mouth with a full stomach. For example: if you are hungry, you eat by mouth and feel satisfied.
Transition to oral feeding requires a team approach. Teams may include a physician, nutritionist, therapist, lactation consultant for breastfeeding and nurse. The initial step is to address readiness. The following questions are considered:
  1. Is the child safe to feed? How are their oral skills?
  2. Has the child shown appropriate growth on enteral feeds? Often a child will not show hunger until they have reached an appropriate weight for height. We need to know now many calories the child needs to eat to continue growing.
  3. Has the medical condition for which the child had tube placed been corrected?
  4. Are the parent and child ready to transition? Do they have the time to devote to transitioning?
One of the first steps in transitioning is to promote hunger. The feeding schedule needs to be normalized into meals and snacks. After the feeding schedule is changed, calories are decreased by 25% and volume replaced with water to meet fluid needs. It takes time to change feeding behaviors. The longer the time a child goes without eating the longer it will take to transition to oral feeding. It is important to take small steps, letting the child feel that they are in control. The child has the benefit of using the enteral tube to meet nutritional requirements.
When do you remove tube? When the child demonstrates that she can eat adequate amounts of food to continue growth. It may be prudent to wait until the child demonstrates that they do not lose excessive weight with illness or during the winter cold and virus season.
Enteral feeding refers to the delivery of liquid feedings through a tube. Enteral feeding, or tube feeding, is used for infants and children who have a functioning gastrointestinal tract, but are unable to orally ingest adequate nutrients to meet their metabolic needs. Conditions that may require enteral feeding include:
  1. Gastrointestinal disorders, such as disorders of absorption, digestion, utilization, secretion and storage of nutrients. This includes anatomic disruptions such as tracheoesophageal fistula.
  2. Neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, spinal cord defects, and cerebral palsy or damage to the central nervous system
  3. Cardiopulmonary disorders and other conditions of hypermetabolism such as burns and cancer.
  4. Failure to thrive
  5. Prematurity
Enteral feeding can play a role in both short-term rehabilitation and long-term nutritional management. The extent of its use ranges from supportive therapy, in which the tube supplies a portion of the needed nutrients, to primary therapy, in which the tube delivers all the necessary nutrients. Most children receiving enteral feedings can continue to receive oral feedings to fulfill the pleasurable and social aspects of eating. All infants and young children require oral-motor stimulation for developmental reasons.
Tube feeding benefits the child by improving growth and nutritional status and frequently by improving the primary condition. By ensuring that the child's nutrient needs are being met, tube feeding can free the family from anxiety and, improve quality of life. Enteral feeding is necessary for the child who is not safe to feed because his or her airways need protection to prevent or decrease risk of aspiration. Additional benefits include improved hydration, improved bowel function, and consistent medication. Tube feeding is a safer and less expensive alternative to feeding orally than total parental nutrition.
There are disadvantages with enteral feedings. If the child has gastroesophageal reflux, aggressive enteral feeding may increase his risk of aspiration or vomiting. Other physical disadvantages are diarrhea, skin breakdown or anatomic disruption. Mechanical disadvantages include a dislodged or occluded feeding tube. Metabolic risks include hyperglycemia and hyperphosphatemia.
Children who are either malnourished or at high risk for becoming malnourished can benefit from tube feeding. When one or more of the following factors are identified, tube feeding should be considered:
  1. Inability to consume at least 80% of energy needs by mouth
  2. Total feeding time more than four hours per day
  3. Weight loss or no weight gain for a period of three months (less for younger children and infants)
  4. Weight for height (or length) less than 5th percentile for age and sex
  5. Triceps skinfold less than 5th percentile for age
  6. Serum albumin less than or equal to 3.0 g/dl
An interdisciplinary team should decide whether to begin tube feeding. The team should include at a minimum the primary physician, the nutritionist, and the caregiver(s). If the child has oral-motor feeding problems, the team should also include an occupational or speech therapist. Before tube feeding is started, the child needs a medical work-up for the following purposes:
  1. To rule out contraindications for enteral feeding
  2. To diagnose possible gastrointestinal problems (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux, risk of aspiration)
  3. To determine the optimal delivery site for the feeding (i.e., stomach, duodenum, or jejunum)
  4. To determine an appropriate program for oral-motor stimulation
The feeding tube is placed either nasally or surgically and the choice of placement depends on many factors:
  1. Preference of the caregiver(s)
  2. Expected duration of the tube feeding
  3. Local resources for dealing with possible complications
  4. Family's ability to learn the feeding technique required by the particular placement
Oral-motor problems may improve with development, time, and treatment. All enteral feeding techniques are reversible. Discontinuation of enteral feedings requires the same careful planning and often the same detailed work-up that go into the decision to start it.

Common Complications of Tube Feeding


 Nausea/Vomiting and Diarrhea
 Constipation
 Gastroesophageal Reflux
 Large Residuals
 Tube Feeding Syndrome
 Hyponatremia
 Clogged Feeding Tube
 Leakage of Gastric Contents
 Bleeding Around Stoma
 Infection of Stoma
 Granulation Tissue
Complication Possible Cause(s) Intervention
Nausea/Vomiting and Diarrhea Rapid administration of feeding
  • For continuous drip feeding, return infusion rate to previous tolerated level. Then gradually increase rate
  • For bolus feeding, increase length of time for feeding. Allow for short break during feeding. Offer smaller and more frequent feedings
  Hyperosmolar solution
(high calorie and/or high protein formulas)
  • Switch to isotonic formula
  • Dilute current formula to isotonic strength and gradually increase to full strength
  • Check that formula is mixed properly
  • Avoid adding other foods to formula (i.e., baby food, powdered formula)
  Medication
  • Do not add medication to formula; give between feeding with water or juice (for infants over 6 months CA)
  • Meds that may cause diarrhea include: antibiotics, GI neurologic stimulants beta blockers, laxatives, stool softeners, liquid meds with sorbitol ie. theophyline
  • Review medication profile and change if possible
  Air in stomach/intestine
  • Burp child during feedings or allow for short breaks
  • Use medication to decrease gas, ie.simethicone
  • Elevate child's head during feeding and for 30 minutes after meal
  Tube migration from stomach to small intestine
  • Pull on tube to reposition against stomach wall
  Cold feedings
  • Warm feedings to room temperature
  Rapid GI transit
  • Select fiber enriched formula
  Bacterial contamination
  • Use breast milk that has been safely collected and stored
  • Refrigerate open cans of formula and keep only as long as manufacturer suggests
  • Clean tops of formula cans before opening
  • Hang only 4 hour amount of formula at a time
  • Be sure feeding sets are cleaned well
  Allergy/lactose intolerance
  • Switch to breast milk or lactose-free formula
  • Try soy formula. If allergic to soy, may need elemental or semi-elemental formula
  Excessive flavorings
  • Stop using flavorings
   
  • Decrease fat in formula or use MCT Oil
  • Refer to physician
Constipation Inadequate fiber/bulk or fluid
  • Try formula with added fiber
  • Increase water
  • Try supplementing with prune juice
  • Try stool softeners, suppositories, or enema, as indicated
  • Refer to physician
Gastroesophageal reflux Delayed gastric emptying
  • Refer to physician
  • May recommend medication to stimulate GI tract
  • Elevate child's head (30-45 degree angle) during feeding and for 1 hour after meal
  • Check for residuals before feeding
  • Try smaller, more frequent bolus feedings or continuous drip feeding
  • Consider Jejunal feeding
Large residuals Decreased gastric motility
  • Elevate child's head during feeding
  • Use gastric stimulant to promote gastric emptying
  • Consider continuous feeds
  Hyperosmolar formula
  • Switch to breast milk or isotonic formula
  Medications
  • Do not add medications to formula; give between feeding with water or juice
  • Refer to physician
Tube feeding syndrome (dehydration, azotemia, and hypernatremia) Excessive protein intake with inadequate fluid intake
  • Refer to physician
  • Decrease protein
  • Increase fluids. Monitor fluid intake and output
Hyponatremia  
  • Refer to physician
  • Replace sodium losses
  • Restrict fluids
Clogged feeding tube Residue or coagulated protein
Inadequate flushing of tube
Medication
  • Use correct formula
  • Flush tubes with water after giving formula or medication
  • Flush every 3-4 hours with continuous drip feeds
  • Do not mix formula with medication
  • Irrigate with air, using syringe
  • Gently milk tubing
  • Dissolve 1/4 tsp. meat tenderizer in 10 cc water and flush to dissolve clot
  • Replace tube
Leakage of gastric contents Improper positioning of child
Tube migration
Increased sized of stoma
  • Place child upright for feeding
  • Make sure gastrostomy tube is firmly in place
  • Stabilize tube with gauze pads, adjust crosspiece
  • If stoma is too large for tube, insert new tube
  • Keep skin around stoma clean and dry; use protective ointments and gauze
  • If leaking out of button gastrostomy, may need to replace device
  • Refer to physician
Bleeding around stoma  
  • A small amount of bleeding is normal
  • Tape tube securely in place to avoid irritation from movement
  • Secure tube under child's clothing
  • Refer to physician
Infection of stoma Gastric leakage around tube
Stoma site not kept clean
Allergic reaction to soap
  • Correct cause of leakage
  • Carefully cleanse and protect stoma
  • If stoma site is irritated use plain water or change type of soap used
  • Refer to physician for culture and medication
Granulation tissue Body rejecting foreign body
Poorly fitting tube causing friction
Use of antiseizure medication such as Dilantin
  • Keep area clean and dry
  • Adjust snugness of PEG tube with crosspiece
  • Stabilize tube using tape, bandnet, ace bandage, tube top
  • Prevent child from pulling on tube
  • Apply silver nitrate as directed by physician




Advice for Caregivers: Tube Feeding


 Daily Care of the Tube
 Typical Gastrostomy Feeding
 When to Call the Doctor
 Common Pump Problems
Daily Care of the Tube
Contact your health care provider regarding care instructions. See section on Complications of Tube Feeding.
  1. Wash hands with soap and water before feeding.
  2. Gather supplies needed for tube feeding. Feeding should be at room temperature.
  3. Inspect site for skin irritation or leakage.
  4. Check the tube for inward/outward migration.
  5. Clean site with plain water or simple soap and water in circular motion away from stoma site. Dry site. If needed, stabilize tube with gauze and tape.
Typical Gastrostomy Feeding
1. Position child with head higher than stomach, upright or on side. Use of infant seat, high chair or propping with pillow or wedge may be helpful.
2. Check residuals if recommended by physician. Attach syringe to feeding tube and pull back. If residual is greater than 50% of previous feeding, wait one hour and recheck. Return residuals to stomach. If there is still residual, contact physician. If residual is okay, flush tube with 10cc water.
3. Feed by appropriate method:
BOLUS FEEDING
  • Syringe: Attach syringe to feeding tube, pour feeding into syringe. You may need to push with plunger to start flow. Control rate of feeding by raising or lowering syringe. Continue adding feeding solution to syringe until total feed given. You do not want air in tubing.
  • Feeding Bag: Clamp tubing, fill bag and tubing with feeding. You may need to squeeze bag to start feeding. Control rate of flow with clamp. Hang bag from IV pole,
A feeding should take 15-30 minutes. If given too quickly, the child may experience sweating, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
CONTINUOUS DRIP
Clamp tubing on feeding bag and fill with feeding solution. Unclamp tubing and fill drip chamber 1/3 full, then fill remaining tubing with feeding solution to minimize air into stomach, clamp. Thread tubing through pump. Connect to feeding tube. Unclamp feeding tube and start pump. The home care supply company will have instructions on how to use pump. Feedings should not hang for more than 4-8 hours. On hot days, you can slip ice into the pocket of a feeding bag to keep feeding solutions cool.
Children can be cuddled or held during feeding. Including the child at mealtimes is encouraged. To distract the child while feeding or doing skin care play games or music, tell a story, offer toys, etc. Oral motor stimulation is recommended.
You may want to secure tube connections with tape so they do not come apart. Securing tube to clothing, out of reach of children is helpful. Tubing can tucked under clothing (onesies, overalls, tube tops and bandnets are helpful).
4. The feeding tube may be left in place, unclamped to allow the child to burp, about 10-30 minutes. If the child has a button gastrostomy, they will need a decompression tube to vent air. To prevent reflux, the child may need to remain with head elevated 30-60 minutes after feeding.
5. After feeding and burping are finished, flush tubing with 10 cc water. Close tube. Tuck gastrostomy under clothing.
6. Wash feeding set with hot, soapy water, rinse well and air dry. Feeding sets may be reused several times.
When to Call the Doctor
  • If the skin around the gastrostomy is warm, tender, bright red - larger than a quarter
  • If excess puffy red tissue is building up around stoma site or persistent bleeding around stoma site
  • If there is excess leaking around stoma site or tube (soaking 2x2 gauze < 4 hours)
  • If stomach contents are leaking through button
  • If child has persistent vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
  • The feeding tube is blocked and you cannot remove blockage
  • The feeding tube is pulled out
  • If the child has a temperature over 101 degrees F
Common Pump Problems
  • The "START" button isn't pressed.
  • The clamps aren't open.
  • The tubing is kinked.
  • The drip chamber too full. Or, it is not positioned correctly.
  • The "Pause" is button on.
  • The feeding tube is plugged.

No comments: