Pediatric Enteral Access Device Management. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdelhadi, Ruba A.; Rahe, Katina; Lyman, Beth
• Is Part Of: Nutrition in clinical practice. Volume 31:Number 6(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 748
• Page End: 761
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: enteral nutrition -- enteral access devices -- gastrostomy tubes -- feeding tubes -- pediatric; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Diet therapy -- Periodicals; Artificial feeding -- Periodicals; 615.854
• DOI: 10.1177/0884533616670640
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0884-5336

Abstract

Enteral nutrition (EN) support has proven to be a nutrition intervention that can provide full or partial calories to promote growth and development in infants and children. To supply these nutrients, an enteral access device is required, and the use of these devices is growing. Placement of the proper device for the patient need, along with appropriate care and monitoring, is required for individualized patient management. When complications arise, early identification and management can prevent more serious morbidity. Complication management requires a tiered approach starting with staff nurses and ending with a physician expert. In addition to this, each institution needs to have an approach that is coordinated among disciplines and departments to promote consistency of practice. The formation of an enteral access team is a conduit for clinical experts to provide education to families, patients, and healthcare professionals while serving as a platform to address product and practice issues.