Monitoring
Bills fluid balance is important whilst enteral feeding. Volume of the feed and any additional fluids including oral, IV fluids and medications should be documented to allow accurate monitoring of the feed. Accurate recording on fluid balance charts is essential for monitoring of late feeds, total volume, issues with tolerance, coordinating with rehabilitation sessions and interruptions, all of which have a knock on effect on Bill’s total nutrition.
https://www.bapen.org.uk/nutrition-support/enteral-nutrition/enteral-feed-monitoring
Medications
As Bill is nil by mouth his medications will be administered through his enteral tube. Important considerations of giving medication via the tube include diameter of the tube (risk of blockage) the stability of the medication and whether the crushing/dispersal of tablets or opening of capsules to allow the medication to be delivered has altered the safety, efficacy or licencing of the medication.
Medication should be checked (see link below) by the pharmacist and changes made to alternative soluble or liquid brands.
https://www.bapen.org.uk/nutrition-support/enteral-nutrition/medications
Page last reviewed: 02 Jun 2021
