Advantages Of Placing Feeding Tubes

Posted by neomedinc on December 2nd, 2020

A child needs to eat correctly for growing and developing into a healthy adult. Unfortunately, infants and young children cannot swallow or ingest food the usual way in many instances. This necessitates the use of nasogastric tubes inserted into the stomach through the nostrils and passes down the rear end of the throat to reach the abdomen. It is usually a temporary measure that is discontinued after proper treatment. However, some children may be discharged from the facility with the tube in situ. This makes it imperative to engage a care provider or educate the parents about the dos and don’ts of using the tube, thereby ensuring nutrition.

Doctors attending to neonates placed in a NICU may recommend inserting the NG tube into the tiny, frail infant who cannot suck milk from the breasts of the mother. This kind of tube is favored over Orogastric tubes that are inserted via the oral route. The lack of nutrition and absence of growth may prompt the doctor to use the tube. Neonates who have to undergo surgical intervention soon after birth will also be fed by the Nasogastric (NG) tube. Recurrent infections of the abdomen may be treated with the aid of such tubes.

Reasons to use NG Tube

· Feeding the patients who are unable to eat normally

· Administration of medication

· Removal of liquids and air from the stomach

· For introducing dyes into the abdomen before X-Rays or scan

· Protection of the bowel after surgery

Placement of NG Tube

It is customary for a trained medical professional to insert the tube into the body of the patients. The parents may not handle the procedure efficiently due to a lack of experience and too much emotional attachment. The right way to do it in the NICU for preterm and weak infants are as follows:-

· The distance from the nostril to the ear lobe is measured meticulously to assess the length. The halfway point between the Xiphisternum and umbilicus is also marked before beginning the process.

· The infant is swaddled to provide warmth and comfort while each nostril is tapped lightly to gauge its patency

· The right sized gastric tube is then chosen with a larger one selected for infants requiring drainage of the gut

· The tube is then traduced with extreme caution by a trained and experienced nurse at the right point as revealed by the measurement

· The position is checked by making the patent inhale.

· A pH reading of 5 indicates that the tube has reached the stomach successfully

· A tiny infant may fidget and pull at the tube that may disrupt the process. The staff keeps the tube secured by taping it to the cheek to avoid dislodging it inadvertently

Feeding tubes used to provide nutrients and medication to patients need to be of the highest quality and comply with the safety standards. Medical facilities source tubes with clear markings and easy to clean options that enable the patient to remain secure and comfortable as long as the tube remains inside.