|
Enteral Nutrition
There may be times when injury prevents an individual from the normal intake of food. This may be due to not having the ability to eat by mouth or an impending digestive issue. Enteral nutrition, also known as tube feeding, provides a treatment that allows nutrition to be delivered to the injured party through a tube in the stomach or small intestine
What types of tube feeding are available?
Tube feeding can be administered in two different ways:
Nasogastric (or nasoenteral) – This method is when the feeding tube is placed through the nose into one of a number of points in the gastrointestinal tract. This treatment option is primarily used for an injured party who has a short-term need for a feeding tube.
Gastrostomy (or jejunostomy) – This method is when the feeding tube is placed through the skin into the stomach or small intestine surgically or through an outpatient procedure. The health care provider can determine the best approach depending on the injured party’s situation and nutritional need.
What are the nutrients supplied through tube feeding?
Nutrients that are supplied for an injured party requiring a feeding tube are delivered in the form of a formula. The health care provider will select the appropriate formula required for treatment depending on the injured party’s needs and the properties of the formula. Some of the categories of formulas that are typically used in enteral nutrition treatment are:
- General use
- High nitrogen
- High nitrogen and high calorie
- Fiber enriched
- Semi-elemental
- Fat modified
- Specialty
Progressive Medical has a wide variety of services that help injured parties that are in need of enteral nutrition. To learn more about how Progressive Medical can help your injured party, please call 1-800-777-3574 and press 1# to speak with a Client Services Specialist, visit the Web site at www.progressive-medical.com or contact your local Progressive Medical representative.
Sources:
American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. What is Enteral Nutrition. 2006. Accessed: 2/26/2010.
Mayo Clinic. Home Enteral Nutrition. 2010. Accessed: 2/26/2010.
|