ABSTRACT
The tube- or enteral-feeding client usually needs 21–43 ml. fluids/kg body weight. Special problems such as dumping syndrome, diarrhea, bloating, and retention can be addressed through reduced rate of tube feeding flow. The lowering of osmolality may help alleviate the first and second problems. Warming the feeding to room temperature is advisable. Continuous feeding is widely used to avoid introduction of air into the gastrointestinal tract, and to prevent diarrhea caused by bolus feeding, delayed gastric emptying, and recurrent pulmonary aspiration. Duodenal feeding tubes are preferred for long-term usage in patients. It is important to provide accurate feedings regardless of the strength or type of formula ordered. The methods give specific examples for calculations: From the physician’s order, determine the fractional strength, for example, 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 and those are Divide the numerator of the fraction of strength into the formula volume ordered to get a factor.
