Everything the nurse practitioner should know about pediatric feeding tubes

Abstract

To provide an overview of the current feeding tubes in use in the pediatric population including feeding tube complications, and specific guidance for patients at the initiation, throughout the use of, and at the discontinuation of tube feeding. A review of the literature was performed using multiple databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Ovid Medline, and Cochrane Library. Key words used included pediatric gastrostomy (G) tubes, nasogastric (NG) tubes, gastrojejunostomy (GJ) tubes, enteral access, and nurse practitioner (NP). Any child who cannot obtain nutrition orally is a candidate for enteral feeding tube access. Tube feeding is the recommended care guideline for children that are undernourished or unable to safely take-in oral nutrition. Tube feeding has been known to improve health-related quality of life. There are a number of different forms of feeding tubes that can be used in children, including NG, orogastric, G, and GJ tubes. Children are being sent home regularly with enteral feeding tube access and NPs will encounter these patients in everyday practice. It is important that NPs know the risks and benefits of tube feeding as well as the types of tubes currently in use and their indications, advantages, disadvantages, and complications.