Question

write a summary about alternative feeding techniques that may be used when food and fluids are withheld (NPO) from a child.

III. Review the conditions that necessitate nasogastric gavage, gastrostomy, nasoduodenal, or nasojejunal tube feedings.

IV. Guidelines for Nasogastric Tube feedings in children

Answer 1

When a child is nil per oral the alternative feeding techniques which can used to the child to prevent malnutrition and dehydration are

• Total parental nutrition is administered through the intravenous line.
• Naso gastric tube where the patient is fed directly into the stomach or the gastric region.The tube is inserted generally via  the nostrils to the gastrointestinal tract
• Gastrostomy: A surgical intervention is carried on the abdomen and a feeding tube is inserted into the gastric region
• J tube : This is also done during a surgical intervention by inserting a feeding tube via nostrils till the jejunum

III.Nasogastric gavage

• Abdominal surgery
• Dysphagia
• Post operative period
• To provide extra feeding

Gastrostomy feeding

• Cancer of gastrointestinal tract ,esophagus ,oral cavity
• Loss of gag reflex
• Risk of aspiration during swallowing
• Severe dysphagia

Nasoduodenal feeding

• Surgery in pyloric region
• For long term feeding

Nasojejunal feed

• In oral cancer
• Severe vomiting
• Gastroparesis
• Intestinal perforation
• For recovery post abdominal surgery

IV. The guidelines for NT feeding in children are

• Administer if only prescribed
• Do not over feed or underfeed the child
• The tube should be above 6 " from the abdomen or the stomach region
• Feed in propped up position
• Check for any residual before initiation of feed
• After feeding flush with water to clear any blockage and keep tube patent.