SLP TREATMENT - Tube Feeding

Tube Feeding

Many medically complex children require some period of tube feeding to assist them in meeting their nutritional requirements (Groher & Crary 2016)

Impairment

Pediatric Dysphagia

Weaning Goal

Child accepts food and liquid orally to meet hydration, caloric, and nutrient needs for 4-6 months before tube Is removed.

EBP

Tube feedings are not meant to be a long term solution but temporary to ensure the Individual Is receiving adequate nutritional means

(Yi 2018; Krom & Kindermann 2017)

Implementation

Consider the optimum tube-feeding method that best meets the child’s needs and determine whether the child will need tube feeding for a short or an extended period of time.

Photo from Special Smiles

Nasogastric Tube (NG) nose to the stomach
Nasojejunal Tube (NJ) nose to the small intestine
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrotomy (PEG/ G -tube) port outside the body to the stomach
Jejunostomy Tube (J-Tube) port outside the body directly above the G tube ending

(Groher & Crary 2016)

Prerequisites for oral feeding

Consensus among health professionals suggests that the transition from tube feeding to oral feeding should be established as soon as tube feeding is no longer required

(Groher & Crary 2016)

Weaning Is done ONLY under the supervision of pediatrician & dietician

Skills to eat and drink efficiently and safely
- Oral (biting, chewing, drinking)
- Pharyngeal (swallowing)
Tolerate bolus feeds
- Fullness & hunger cycles

Data Collection

Food Journal

Include: Time of meal, number of feedings, ounces fed, how food is being consumed (tube only, mostly oral, combination).

Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS)

National Outcome Measurement Scale (NOMS)