Explain about the Enteral feeding in elderly?
Enteral, as you may already be aware, is defined as provision of nutrition support through the GI tract or by accessing the gut. The pre-requisites/ special features 'include:
- To be resorted to if individual is unable to feed orally.
- If GI tract intact, resort to enteral feeding.
- For short term support nasogastric or nasoenteric; for prolonged use of enteral route - gastrostomy/jejunostomy to be used.
- Choice from the different polymeric formulas, preferably of low viscosity so that easier route in case of small bone tubes.
- Specific formulation can be given as and when required by patient e.g. diabetic or renal feeds.
- Continuous feeding to begin with half strength feed (at the rate of 30 ml/hr; followed by full strength at 25 ml/hr) preferred over bolus feeding due to risk of aspiration,
- Cyclical feeding is another example of continuous feeding when feeds are given for a particular time of day e.g. 12-18 hours. Interrupted feeding is also found to be most practical method. It is continuous feed for 4-6 hours intermitted with few hours of no feeding.
- While feeding, positioning the patient at an angle of 30" decreases risk of aspiration.
- PEG (percutancous endoscopic gastrostomy) is another good way of feeding.
- Usually caloric concentration of feeds is around l/Kcal/ml
Finally, let us get to know about the oral nutrition repletion.
Oral Nutritional Repletion: This is the most ideal feeding method. The nutrient requirement is highlighted herewith.