What it means
A soft tube that delivers enteralEN-ter-ulBy way of the digestive tract, such as by mouth or through a feeding tube into the stomach or intestine.enter/o intestine-al relating toFull entry nutrition. Short-term tubes go in through the nose, such as a nasogastric tubenay-zoh-GAS-trik toobA thin, flexible tube passed through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach.nas/o nosegastr/o stomach-ic having to do withFull entry into the stomach or a nasoduodenal or nasojejunal tube into the small intestine. Long-term tubes go through the belly wall, such as a gastrostomy tube (G-tube or PEG) or a jejunostomy tube (J-tube). Feedings may run all the time on a pump or be given at set times.
For the nurse
Confirm placement before first use (an x-ray for new blind-placed tubes) and before each use per policy. Keep the head of the bed at least 30 degrees during feeding and for a time after. Flush with water before and after each drug, give drugs one at a time, and never crush extended-release products.
In a chart
"PEG tube site clean and dry; feeding at 60 mL/hr; HOB 35 degrees; flushed with 30 mL water after meds."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | NG, NJ, G-tube, PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy), J-tube |
|---|---|
| Spanish | sonda de alimentación |
| Also written | feeding tube, feeding tubes, enteral tube, enteral tubes |
Related terms
aspiration
Breathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.
nasogastric tube
A thin, flexible tube passed through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach.
total parenteral nutrition
Complete nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.
enteral
By way of the digestive tract, such as by mouth or through a feeding tube into the stomach or intestine.