NutritionNutritionNutritionNutritionNUR 102 LabNUR 102 Lab

Module IModule I

Enteral Nutrition• Definition—administration of

nutrients directly into the GI tract• Beneficial when oral feedings are

not possible, but the stomach or intestines are able to digest nutrients

• Preferred over parenteral nutrition

Evidence-Based Practice

• Indications– Impaired swallowing or gag reflex

usually related to a neurological process

– Nutritional deficit due to decreased food ingestion

– Inability to eat related to surgery, injury, or disease

Continued…• Complications

– Displacement of tube– Electrolyte imbalance– Hyperglycemia– Constipation – Diarrhea– Clogging of the tube– Vomiting– Pulmonary aspiration

Enteral Feeding• Types

– Nasogastric—a small tube that is passed through the nares into the stomach

– Nasointestinal—tungsten-weighted tube inserted through the nares to allow peristalsis to move the tube through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum or jejunum

– Gastrostomy—surgically placed feeding tube inserted into the stomach in the LUQ of the abdomen

Continued…

Continued…

Continued…

Equipment Needed• NG tube• Catheter tip syringe, 60cc• Tape or tube fixation device• Cup of water or ice chips for the

patient• Clean gloves

Continued…

Insertion of a Nasogastric or Nasointestinal Tube

• Refer to Skill 30-1, pg 1014

Verifying Tube Placement

• X-ray after initial insertion• pH of aspirate• Air bolus auscultation • Aspiration of gastric contents or

feeding

NG Tube Irrigation• Refer to Skill 30-3, pg 1025

Types of NG Feedings

• Intermittent or Bolus

• Continuous drip

Equipment for Feeding• Clean gloves• 60cc syringe or feeding bag• Formula

Feeding Administration• Refer to Skill 30-4, pg 1028

Evaluation of Feeding• Measure residual per policy—notify

MD if >100cc• Monitor blood sugar levels per

policy• Intake and output every 8 hours• Monitor lab values—albumin,

prealbumin, protein, transferrin

Continued…• Daily weights• Assess respiratory status• Assess level of comfort• Assess abdomen—bowel sounds

Gastrostomy Feedings• Refer to Skill 30-5, pg 1036

NCLEX Review Questions

Parenteral Therapy• Definition—specialized nutrition

support delivered intravenously• Ideal for patients who cannot

digest or absorb enteral nutrition• Provides amino acids, dextrose, fat

emulsions, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements

Central Venous Catheter

PICC Line

Nursing Care• Refer to Skill 31-1, pg 1049,

Skill31-2, pg 1-57, and Skill 31-3, pg 1061

NCLEX Review Questions