Tag: Enteral feeding complications

According to the National Cancer Institute, enteral nutrition is a form of nutrition delivered as a liquid into the digestive system, either by drinking or through a feeding tube. This process, also known as enteral feeding, is used when a person is unable to meet their nutritional needs by mouth but has a functioning gastrointestinal tract.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a significant number of individuals utilize feeding tubes for various health conditions, requiring consistent and frequent attention. What do clients with feeding tubes need frequently beyond the obvious nutritional formula? The needs range from regular tube maintenance and oral care to proactive complication management and emotional support.

According to one study in an internal medicine unit, tube dislodgement and electrolytic alterations are among the most frequently reported complications of nasogastric tube feeding, affecting a significant portion of patients. The potential complications associated with enteral nutrition by nasogastric tube in an internal medicine unit range from minor irritations to serious, life-threatening events.