1. Patients may still require additional free water to maintain adequate
fluid balance. The amount of water in tube feeding formulas varies. General
recommendation is to be sure patient receives at least 1 ml of water for each
calorie consumed.
2. To reduce the potential of aspiration:
Elevate head of bed 35 to 45 degrees,
Check residuals every 4 hours
Check tube position at insertion site every 4 hours
3. Keep the system set-up clean by:
a. limiting feedings to small amounts and the hang time of intermittent
feedings to 3-4 hours.
b. rinsing the bag/tubing before adding new formula and changing them at
least every 24 hours
c. not mixing medications with the formula
d. using the liquid form of medications when given through the tube
4. Prevent infection by:
Changing the feeding bag and tubing daily.
Hanging a fresh feeding every 4-8 hours to prevent overgrowth at room
temperature.
Storing only prepared and opened formula in refrigerator for 24 hours.
