White R., Bradnam V., Handbook of Drug Administration via Enteral Feeding Tubes, Pharmaceutical Press 2007 The decision for which type of enteral feed a child should receive should be made in consultation with the dietician, medical team, nursing staff and family, taking into account the nutritional needs, clinical status and tolerance of feeds of the child. The placement of the tube will be chosen by a doctor based on what size tube is needed, how long enteral feeds will be required, and your digestive abilities.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG) – a gastrostomy tube which is held in place with an internal fixator Should there be any dispute as to the position of the tube, do not recommence feeds. Discuss with senior nursing staff or medical staff. Mix one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a cup of warm water and insert as soon as possible into the tube. Tube feeding (also called enteral feeding) is the name given to a method of providing you with food and fluids when you are unable to eat or drink enough to keep you healthy.Liquid formulations are usually preferred for enteral tube administration, unless the formulation contains other ingredients that could cause unwanted side-effects (e.g. sorbitol can cause diarrhoea). Liquid formulations may inappropriate in some patients (e.g. the carbohydrate content may be too high for patients on a ketogenic diet). Ensure all medications are prepared separately and are mixed well or thoroughly dissolved in water. You will be regularly reviewed by the dietitian who works out your nutritional needs and selects the most appropriate feed for you. Your dietitian will discuss with you and devise a plan of when to feed and which feed best suits you. Where do I get my feed? Nurses should monitor and observe the patient to assess if the patient is tolerating enteral feeds.

A feeding syringe is a type of syringe that is specifically designed for feeding liquids to adults. They are typically made of plastic and have a wide, cylindrical body with a plunger on one end. The other end may have a screw-on cap or a built-in nozzle. Feeding syringes are used to feed liquids to adults who cannot eat or drink on their own. If it is safe to do so and the child is able to tolerate oral intake consider providing them with a drink and attempt aspirate in 15-30minutes High acuity and intensive care patients may require management of Gastric Residual Volumes (GRV) to assist in management of gastric emptying delays, feeding intolerance, electrolyte balance and patient comfort. Further guidance regarding the management and return of GRV’s can be located underIf a reusable enteral feeding syringe is intended for single patient use, it must be cleaned and reprocessed in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Use sterile enteral feeding syringes as directed by the manufacturer and rinse them in the dishwasher after use. The practice of changing a needle and reusing a syringe can cause disease. The length of time required for a gastrostomy tube to be replaced varies greatly. Gastrostomy tubes typically last 12 months to a year, whereas balloon tubes can last up to six months. How Long Is Tube Feeding Tubing Good For? Juve-Udina, M. Valls-Miro, C., Carreno-Granero, A., Martinez-Estralella, G., Monterde-Prat, D., Domingo-Felici, C., & Llusa-Finestres, G., 2009. To return or to discard? Randomised trial on gastric residual volume management. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 25, pg 258-267