What are the complications of enteral nutrition and their management?

May 15, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Chao

Introduction

Complications of enteral nutrition may include feeding tube blockage, diarrhea, dehydration, etc., and management should be directed according to the specific complication. Enteral nutrition generally involves delivering nutrients and nutritional support to the gastrointestinal tract via a catheter, thereby promoting gastrointestinal metabolic function. If the tube is inserted through the nose into the gastrointestinal tract, but during enteral nutrition administration the nasogastric feeding solution has a high concentration, this may lead to complications.

Complications of enteral nutrition may include feeding tube blockage, diarrhea, dehydration, and others. Management should be tailored according to the specific complication. The details are as follows:

1. Feeding Tube Blockage

Enteral nutrition typically involves delivering nutrients and nutritional support to the gastrointestinal tract via a catheter, promoting gastrointestinal metabolic function. If the catheter is inserted through the nasal passage, a high concentration of enteral feeding solution may cause tube blockage during administration. In such cases, the catheter should be promptly removed and cleaned to ensure its patency.

2. Diarrhea

If a patient has poor absorption of enteral nutrients or conditions such as lactose intolerance, the gastrointestinal mucosa may become irritated, leading to diarrhea. This can be alleviated by gradually increasing the amount of enteral nutrition, allowing the body to adapt to the nutritional supplementation.

3. Dehydration

If metabolic abnormalities persist after initiating enteral nutrition, dehydration may occur. In such cases, the composition of the enteral formula should be adjusted, and the most appropriate nutrients should be selected based on the patient's condition.

In addition, other complications of enteral nutrition may include lower esophageal sphincter injury, edema, and others. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation and receive appropriate treatment.

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Nasointestinal tube placement procedure steps

Nasojejunal tube placement is a technique for administering enteral nutrition through nasal feeding, suitable for patients unable to eat due to symptoms such as swallowing difficulties or impaired consciousness. It is recommended to undergo the procedure at a正规 hospital under the guidance of a qualified physician. The specific procedure is as follows: 1. The patient should lie flat. After the physician connects the nasojejunal tube and the suction container, lubricating jelly (liquid paraffin) is applied to the nasojejunal tube.

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Indications and Contraindications of Enteral Nutrition

In general, enteral nutrition refers to the delivery of nutrients and nutritional substances via the gastrointestinal tract, which can replace or supplement oral intake in certain situations to maintain a patient's nutritional status. Common indications include gastrointestinal obstruction, impaired intestinal function, and the postoperative recovery period; contraindications include intestinal perforation, intestinal necrosis, and major gastrointestinal bleeding.

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What is the prevention of the most common complications of enteral nutrition?

The prevention of the most common complications associated with enteral nutrition primarily focuses on infection prevention, intestinal obstruction prevention, and electrolyte imbalance prevention. Patients receiving enteral nutrition are prone to bacterial infections, particularly intestinal bacterial infections. The key to preventing infection is maintaining cleanliness and sterility of the enteral nutrition system to avoid contamination. Regular replacement of various components of the enteral nutrition system is recommended.

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Can healthy people consume Ensure?

Ensure is generally refers to whole-protein type enteral nutritional formulations. Healthy individuals can usually consume whole-protein type enteral nutrition. These formulations contain casein, vegetable oil, maltodextrin, minerals, vitamins, and trace elements. When consumed in appropriate amounts, they can meet the body's nutritional needs. However, excessive intake may increase gastrointestinal burden and lead to indigestion.

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Can enteral nutrition powder be taken long-term?

Enteral nutrition powder can generally be taken long-term under medical supervision. However, if the patient has fully recovered, it should not be used for prolonged periods. Enteral nutrition powder is a compound formulation composed of various nutrients including electrolytes and vitamins. It promotes protein synthesis in the body, maintains the integrity of mucosal cells, enhances immune function, and supports stable metabolism. Long-term use may be followed as directed by a physician.

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Can enteral nutrition powder be taken long-term?

Enteral nutrition powder usually refers to powdered enteral nutritional formulations. In general, long-term use of enteral nutrition powder is not recommended, as it may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction and adversely affect health. If necessary, patients should use it under the guidance of a physician and must not self-medicate. Additionally, patients should pay attention to adjusting their dietary structure in daily life and avoid consuming foods containing irritating ingredients to prevent worsening of symptoms.

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Can lipid emulsion be administered daily?

Fat emulsion should generally not be administered daily. Fat emulsion provides energy and essential fatty acids for patients requiring parenteral nutrition, and can also prevent and treat essential fatty acid deficiency. Depending on the clinical condition, it should be administered intermittently, with several days between infusions. Daily administration should be avoided to prevent overburdening organs responsible for fat metabolism and to reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain.

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Can enteral nutrition suspension be taken orally?

Enteral nutrition suspension can usually be taken orally. The detailed analysis is as follows: Enteral nutrition suspension is a compound preparation, whose main components include water, maltose, vegetable oil, and other essential nutrients for the human body. It appears as a light yellow or light yellowish-brown milky suspension with a slightly sour taste. It is commonly used for enteral nutrition support, particularly in patients who have inadequate dietary intake or impaired digestive function in daily life.

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