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Nutrient Administrations: A Case Study

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Enteral routes of nutrient administrations is appropriate in a patient who still has a functioning gastrointestinal system. The patient, for whatever reason, is having difficulty chewing or swallowing, or perhaps they need to bypass the stomach all together due to surgery. Nevertheless, nutrition is administered directly to the GI tract through several methods. For short term delivery (less than four weeks), the nasogastric, also called orogastric or nasoenteric, is appropriate. This is where the nurse would place a levin tube down the nose and throat and into the stomach of the patient. The salem sump could also be used, however for extended use, the levin tube would be more comfortable for the patient. This method of delivery has a few risks …show more content…

If the nurse accidently gets the tube in the lungs and does not check to make sure she has it in the stomach before beginning nutrient administration she could aspirate the patient. This can be avoided by simple aspirating a bit of fluid and testing it with pH paper. Stomach contents should be much more acidic than lung contents. Another method would be for the doctor to order and x-ray. After placement has been established, complications can arise when feeding the patient as well. If the head is not elevated to at least 30 degrees, preferably 45 degrees if tolerated, the patient is at risk for aspiration and eventual pneumonia infection. For long term delivery, direct enteral access is preferred by surgically inserting a gastrostomy or jejunostomy tube through the abdominal wall. This method bypass the stomach and decreases the risk of aspiration, however because the tube is inserted into the abdomen there is a risk of it being pulled out or in. This is averted by stoppers placed on either side of the abdominal …show more content…

This is essentially an IV infusion of specially formulated fluids to provide the patient with essential nutrients. Ideally this will be given through a central line. Central line parenteral routes can be given for longer periods of time and with a higher concentration of nutrients. A patient can be given the nutrients using a peripheral line, however this can only be done for a much shorter amount of time and with less nutrients. Because of the smaller vessels, the nutrients in a peripheral line must be diluted with more fluids. For a patient with renal or cardiac failure, this would make it difficult for them to tolerate extra fluids in their system. A major complication from parenteral nutrition is catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). This is avoided by preparing the nutrients in the pharmacy by using sterile techniques and limiting the number of caretakers handling the line. Another complication arises when the catheter is being inserted. If it enters the pleural space, this could cause the lung to collapse an pneumothorax would ensue. This can be prevented by only allowing specially trained medical providers to insert the catheter while also using the aid of an ultra sound to properly place

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