References
Enteral feeding tubes: an overview of nursing care
Abstract
This article provides a brief overview of the most common types of enteral feeding tubes, their placement and the problems that may be encountered in the care of patients with tubes in situ. It is important that nurses are aware of safety aspects around the insertion and maintenance of feeding tubes, and acquaint themselves with safety guidelines and local policies to ensure that patients do not come to any harm. They must also ensure that they have appropriate training to make certain that they are competent.
In recent years there has been a plethora of guidance about the safe insertion and general care of enteral feeding tubes. However, nurses continue to be concerned about many aspects. This article provides some strategies to deal with some of the most common problems nurses will encounter when caring for patients with enteral feeding tubes, as well as looking at national guidance around the safe care of these tubes.
An enteral feeding tube is one that allows feed to be administered via a tube directly into the stomach or the small bowel (Druml et al, 2016). It is used in individuals who have functioning guts but who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements orally. A report by BAPEN's British Artificial Nutrition Survey (BAPEN, 2018) suggested that there are about 3216 patients in the community receiving enteral tube feeding. There is a wide variety of tubes and the most common devices are listed in Table 1.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting British Journal of Nursing and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Limited access to clinical or professional articles
-
Unlimited access to the latest news, blogs and video content