A tube feeding refers to the nutrients delivered to the gastrointestinal tract through a tube. This is the preferred method of achieving an individual's nutritional needs if the gastrointestinal tract is functioning by providing physiological, safe and economical nutritional support. Tube feeding can be done either in the hospital setting or the home; however, the principles should be maintained regardless of the setting. Tube feeding lessens the occurrence of sepsis, blunts the hypermetabolic responses to trauma and maintains intestinal structure and function. Every individual has specific fluid and nutritional requirements that need to determined and analyzed before administration through tube feeding can be performed.
Instructions
Instructions
1. Weigh the client or individual with the use of a weighing scale.
2. Note the weight in kilograms on a sheet of paper.
3. Measure the client or individual's height in centimeters (cm) and record it on the paper.
4. Determine the individualized nutrient requirements of the patient or client by estimating the basal energy expenditure (BEE) using the Harris-Benedict formula, which considers height, weight, age and gender variables that all account for stress and activity, to come up with the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).
For women, multiply the weight in kilos by 9.6 (A). Multiply the height in centimeters by 1.8 (B). Multiply the age in years by 4.7 (C). Add 655 (which is standard) to A and B then subtract C.
For men, multiply weight in kilos by 13.7 (A). Multiply height in centimeters by 5 (B). Multiply age in years by 6.8 (C). Add 66 (standard) to A and B and then subtract C.
5. It is important to consider the fluid needs of patients on tube feeding. The specific water needs of a person can be calculated as 1ml/kcal or 35 ml/kg multiplied by the usual body weight.
Example: 80 kg (weight of individual) x 35 ml/kg = 2800 ml.
6. Determine the final rate of formula delivery by dividing the required formula volume by the time period of 24 hours. Dilution of the formula can be slowly increased as soon as the final rate has been achieved.
Example: Fluid Volume Required: 2800 ml
2800 ml / 24 hour period = 117 ml/hr (this can be rounded off to 120 ml/hr)
Tags: height centimeters, centimeters Multiply, centimeters Multiply years, client individual, final rate