Volume 5, No.2

Maintaining Hydration and Tube Patency in Enteral Tube Feedings
Linda M Lord, NP, MS, CNSN
Ongoing water flushes are necessary to fully hydrate tube-fed patients and maintain the patency of their tubes for uninterrupted nutrition support. If tube-feeding formulas are not delivered at the volume that meets total calorie and protein needs, malnutrition will occur in weeks to months. Of greater importance, if the water volume does not meet total fluid needs, dehydration can occur within days. Water is the body's most essential nutrient. All body cells, including brain cells, require hydration to function properly—transporting nutrients, eliminating waste, and regulating body temperature. Therefore, nutritional assessments should always include estimated fluid requirements in addition to the estimation of caloric and protein needs. Clogged tubes interfere with tube feeding and water delivery, placing patients at risk for malnutrition and dehydration. It is important for the clinician to be aware of fluid requirements and to ensure they are being met. Measures must be taken to prevent tube clogging, with declogging methods at hand to avoid feeding delays and tube replacements.

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