Nasogastric feeding indications
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Nasogastric feeding indications include patients who are comatose, have oral diseases preventing independent chewing, or have difficulty swallowing food. It is also indicated for critically ill patients or those refusing to eat, as well as patients with acute abdomen or abdominal conditions requiring surgery. Additionally, it applies to patients with gastrointestinal perforation or other gastrointestinal issues who require gastrointestinal decompression and assistance in wound recovery.
Nasogastric feeding is generally indicated for patients who are unable to eat independently, refuse food intake, have acute abdomen, or require gastrointestinal decompression.
1. Inability to eat independently
Patients who are unconscious, suffer from oral diseases, or have undergone oral surgery and thus cannot chew or swallow food on their own may benefit from nasogastric feeding, which helps provide nutrition and maintain energy needs.
2. Refusal to eat
For critically ill patients or those refusing food intake, nasogastric feeding supports nutritional support and medication administration.
3. Acute abdomen
In cases of acute abdomen, such as significant abdominal distension or other abdominal conditions requiring surgical intervention.
4. Gastrointestinal decompression
For patients with conditions such as gastrointestinal perforation or other gastrointestinal disorders, nasogastric feeding can assist in gastrointestinal decompression and promote wound healing.
Additionally, nasogastric intubation may also be required for gastric lavage in cases of poisoning.
