What is liquid tube feeding?
Liquid tube feeding is complete nutrition that is given
to patients when they can not eat normally. There are
several kinds of liquid preparations, all of which are
excellent sources of nutrition. Some liquid tube
feedings have special proteins, vitamins, fats or
elements that may be helpful to patients with certain
conditions.
How are liquid tube feedings
given to the patient?
Liquid tube feedings are usually given to patients
through feeding tubes. Feeding tubes may be placed in
the patient's nose, mouth or abdomen. The liquid tube
feeding is given onto the stomach or directly into the
intestines. Tube feedings may be seen hanging at the
bedside from an IV pole. The tube feedings may be given
through a tube feeding pump to assure that the patient
receives the exact amount of nutrition that the
dietician and doctor ordered.
Does the process of liquid tube
feeding hurt?
No. Patients usually do not know that they are receiving
tube feeding unless they are told. Occasionally a
patient may feel bloated or sick to their stomach when
tube feedings are given. If this happens the nurse
should be told.
Are there any potential
complications associated with liquid tube feeding?
Liquid tube feedings are given to many of the ICU
patients and are very safe. Diarrhea, bloating, nausea
(sick to the stomach), and vomiting are the major
complications that may occur with liquid tube feedings.
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Liquid tube feeding container |
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Feeding tube (black arrow) designed to
go past the stomach |
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Liquid Tube Feeding 
