A Tutorial on Enteral Access in Adult Patients in the Hospitalized Setting. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Keith R.; McClave, Stephen A.; Kiraly, Laszlo N.; Martindale, Robert G.; Benns, Matthew V.
• Is Part Of: JPEN, Journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition. Volume 38:Number 3(2014)
• Page Start: 282
• Page End: 295
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: enteral access -- nutrition -- nutrition support teams -- nutrition support practice -- adult -- life cycle; Parenteral feeding -- Periodicals; Enteral feeding -- Periodicals; 615.85484
• DOI: 10.1177/0148607114522487
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-6071

Abstract

Enteral access is a cornerstone in the provision of nutrition support. Early and adequate enteral support has consistently demonstrated improved patient outcomes throughout a wide range of illness. In patients unable to tolerate oral intake, multiple options of delivery are available to the clinician. Access requires a multidisciplinary effort that involves nurses, dietitians, and physicians to be successful. These techniques and procedures are not without morbidity and even mortality. A comprehensive understanding of the appropriate management of these tubes and their inherent complications should be garnered by all those involved with nutrition support teams. This tutorial reviews available options for enteral access in addition to commonly encountered complications and their management.