A simple method of unclogging enteral feeding tubes: even when traditional methods have failed

Abstract

Enteral feeding tubes are commonly placed as a means for providing patients with nutrition and hydration when they are unable to meet their daily caloric and hydration requirements by mouth. They may also be placed in patients who are at a significant aspiration risk. This may be secondary to malignancy, neurological or mechanical dysphagia, as well as critical illness.1 Many neurological diseases cause dysphagia, but patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebrovascular disease, degenerative central nervous system disease, and hypoxic brain injury comprise the majority of referrals in this subset of patients.2 These patients not only require enteral nutrition, but they also require medications through these tubes. Medications are preferably administered in liquid form. However, there are several medications that are only manufactured in solid form. These medications require being crushed and dissolved in water prior to administration through feeding tubes.