Question 1

what's a feeding tube for?

Accepted Answer

Help with feeding: A feeding tube is used to help patient's with food intake.  The tube will either be put down the throat, or there are more options for long-term care (e.g., a tube surgically placed in the abdomen, to directly access the stomach).  Many situations call for feeding tubes; comatose patients, patients with esophageal or swallowing problems, etc.

Question 2

what is an nj feeding tube?

Accepted Answer

Nasojejunal tube: A nasojejunal tube goes through the nose all the way down to the jejunum, part of the small bowel. It is meant to deliver the food directly in the small bowel, bypassing this way the stomach and duodenum, the first part of the small bowel.

Question 3

why would someone  need a feeding tube?

Accepted Answer

Different Reasons: There are several different reasons. All of which have in common an inability of a person to take in proper amounts of nutrition. These can include being comatose or unable to otherwise feed oneself, as well as esophageal or swallowing problems. In addition, some people with severe dementia eventually have need of a feeding tube.

Question 4

what are the pros and cons of feeding tube?

Accepted Answer

Easier feedings: The primary advantage of a feeding tube, whether nasal (NG) or surgical, is easier feeding. Tubes may also be used to deliver medicines or to check for gastric residuals. Tubes need upkeep and may become blocked or dislodged, so it is important to have a plan for routine and emergency care. All tubes carry the risk of infection: aspiration pnemonia for NG tubes, skin infections for surgical tube.

Question 5

how is a feeding tube replaced and removed?

Accepted Answer

Depends.: Feeding tubes are either placed in a percutaneous fashion or an open fashion, depending on multiple factors with the patient. The percutaneous entry route is done without surgery, the open route is a surgical procedure. Either way, most tubes can usually be removed by a hard pull on the tube. It comes out of the skin incision and the tract usually closes up on it's own.

Question 6

what are some of the negatives of using a feeding tube?

Accepted Answer

Infection/bleeding: Can cause serious stomach infections
ulcers, bleeding, peritonitis, diarrhea, reflux, .

Question 7

can you ask for a feeding tube even if you don't need it?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Hello, it would not be advisable as even when they are needed, feeding tubes should only be used when better options do not exist. You would open yourself up to the discomfort and risks associated with a foreign body without any need to do so. Definitely not advisable. More important is why you think you would benefit from one as your concerns may be adressed by a better method.

Question 8

can you give me the pros and cons of a peg feeding tube.?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the pt: pros: the patient can utilize their gi tract for food/liquids which is always best.  cons: risk of procedure, risk of aspiration.  at the end of life, risks often outweigh the benefits. for a young patient undergoing ENT surgery, the risk is minimal compared to the benefit.

Question 9

when must a person  seek immediate help if dealing with a feeding tube?

Accepted Answer

Tube comes out. : The most urgent issue that can occur with a feeding tube is if it comes out of the skin altogether. You should go into the nearest medical care facility right away if that happens. Another urgent issue would be if the patient starts to have severe abdominal pain after feeding or if the tube becomes blocked.

Question 10

how can i tell in feeding tube site is infected?

Accepted Answer

Few signs...: There are a few signs to be aware of that might indicate infection at a feeding tube site including pain, redness and pus.  If any of these signs are present call your doctor asap.

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Keofeed feeding tube

A member asked:

What's a feeding tube for?

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What is an nj feeding tube?

A member asked:

Why would someone need a feeding tube?

A member asked:

What are the pros and cons of feeding tube?

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How is a feeding tube replaced and removed?

A member asked:

What are some of the negatives of using a feeding tube?

A member asked:

Can you ask for a feeding tube even if you don't need it?

A member asked:

Can you give me the pros and cons of a peg feeding tube.?

A member asked:

When must a person seek immediate help if dealing with a feeding tube?

A member asked:

How can i tell in feeding tube site is infected?

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