Question 1

85 y f, under dementia, refuse both type tube feeding how long we can supply  energy  through i.v?

Accepted Answer

Less than a week: It is time for a talk with the patient or family on advanced directives. Iv fluids will not sustain life and she probably would pull out tubes.  We cannot chemically or physically restraint her so the family needs to look at quality of life and make a decision.

Question 2

what do i need to know about feeding tubes?

Accepted Answer

Know your options.: There are many reasons for having a feeding tube placed.  Some common reasons are to overcome feeding difficulties after traumatic brain injury, swallowing problems after stroke, or because of a tumor that is affecting the upper digestive tract. Consequently, some are permanent, and others are temporary. A peg tube is the most common, followed by a jejunostomy tube (=j-tube).

Question 3

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 4

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 5

when should i get tube feeding.

Accepted Answer

Tube feeding: This depends on your circumstances.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

what are the qualifications for a feeding tube?

Accepted Answer

Feeding tube: Essentially, anytime someone is unable to take in adequate calories and nutrients for a prolonged period of time  and we are somehow able to get access to the digestive tract, such as with a nasogastric tube or a gastrostomy tube. Hope that helps.

Question 10

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, .

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Doctor answers about:

Types of tube feeds

A member asked:

85 y f, under dementia, refuse both type tube feeding how long we can supply energy through i.v?

A member asked:

What do i need to know about feeding tubes?

A member asked:

What's a feeding tube for?

A member asked:

What is an nj feeding tube?

A member asked:

When should i get tube feeding.

A member asked:

Why would someone need a feeding tube?

A member asked:

What are the pros and cons of feeding tube?

A member asked:

How is a feeding tube replaced and removed?

A member asked:

What are the qualifications for a feeding tube?

A member asked:

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

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