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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.
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