Feeding Tube Placement

Care Plan for Feeding Tube Placement

Category / Primary Body System

• Gastrointestinal System

Problem

• Patient is at risk for complications due to feeding tube placement.

Goal

• Patient's feeding tube will remain patent for 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. Positioning

   • Keep the head of the bed elevated 30 - 45 degrees at all times to reduce the risk of aspiration.

2. Monitoring and Recording

   • Record input and output accurately to monitor nutritional status and fluid balance.

3. Medication Administration

   • Administer medications via tube as ordered to ensure proper medication delivery and absorption.

4. Laboratory Monitoring

   • Monitor labs as ordered to track nutritional status and detect any metabolic imbalances early.

5. Aspiration Prevention

   • Monitor for signs and symptoms of aspiration (e.g., coughing, choking, respiratory distress) and notify MD/RNP as needed.

6. Hydration

   • Administer free water flushes as ordered to maintain tube patency and ensure adequate hydration.

7. Tube Patency

   • Check tube for patency every shift to ensure it is functioning properly.

8. Site Care

   • Monitor the tube site for signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, discharge) every shift and provide treatment as ordered.

9. Dietary Management

   • Consult with dietary services as needed to ensure the patient's nutritional needs are being met and to adjust feeding plans as necessary.

Rationale

1. Positioning

   • Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent aspiration, a common and serious complication of tube feeding.

2. Monitoring and Recording

   • Accurate recording of input and output helps manage fluid balance and detect potential issues early.

3. Medication Administration

   • Ensures that medications are delivered effectively through the feeding tube.

4. Laboratory Monitoring

   • Regular lab monitoring can identify any nutritional deficiencies or metabolic imbalances early.

5. Aspiration Prevention

   • Early detection and intervention of aspiration can prevent serious respiratory complications.

6. Hydration

   • Free water flushes help maintain tube patency and ensure the patient remains hydrated.

7. Tube Patency

   • Regular checks for tube patency help ensure the tube remains functional and prevent blockages.

8. Site Care

   • Monitoring for infection at the tube site helps prevent complications and ensure prompt treatment if needed.

9. Dietary Management

   • Ensuring nutritional needs are met through appropriate dietary management supports overall health and recovery.

Actions

1. Positioning

   • Keep the head of the bed elevated 30 - 45 degrees at all times.

2. Monitoring and Recording

   • Record input and output meticulously at regular intervals.

3. Medication Administration

   • Administer medications via the feeding tube as prescribed.

4. Laboratory Monitoring

   • Draw and review labs as ordered, and report any abnormal findings to the attending physician.

5. Aspiration Prevention

   • Monitor for signs and symptoms of aspiration and notify MD/RNP immediately if any are observed.

6. Hydration

   • Administer free water flushes through the feeding tube as ordered.

7. Tube Patency

   • Check the feeding tube for patency every shift.

8. Site Care

   • Inspect the tube site for signs of infection every shift and treat as prescribed.

9. Dietary Management

   • Consult with dietary services as needed to ensure the feeding plan meets the patient’s nutritional requirements.