Word parts
What it means
Used when a client's gut works but they cannot eat enough by mouth, as after a stroke or with head and neck cancer. The tube may go through the nose (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 ) or through the belly wall (gastrostomy tubegas-TROS-tuh-mee toobA feeding tube placed through the belly wall directly into the stomach.gastr/o stomach-stomy surgical openingFull entry ). Feedings can run continuously on a pump or as set amounts several times a day. When the gut cannot be used, nutrition is given by vein instead (total parenteral nutritionTOH-tul puh-REN-ter-ul noo-TRISH-unComplete nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.par- beside, beyondenter/o intestine-al relating toFull entry ).
For the nurse
During a feeding and for a while after it, keep the client's head raised to 30 degrees or more, to prevent aspiration. Check tube placement and flush the tube with water as ordered. Watch for diarrhea, bloating and vomiting.
At a glance
| Spanish | nutrición enteral |
|---|---|
| Also written | enteral feeding, enteral feedings |
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.
enter/o
A word part that means intestine, usually the small intestine.
total parenteral nutrition
Complete nutrition given as a liquid straight into a vein instead of through the digestive tract.
gastrostomy tube
A feeding tube placed through the belly wall directly into the stomach.