Safety Standards Of Enteral Applications

Feeding a child is always a problem that the mothers have to deal with. However, it is aggravated when the baby is born prematurely and unable to feed or breathe properly on its own. Finding a helpless infant in an incubator or a hospital bed with numerous tubes inserted into the tiny body is indeed scary. However, the specialists understand the situation and try to minimize the problems by employing all possible means.

Unfortunately, the doctor is not the only member in the facility engaged in taking care of the baby. The connections are usually handled by the additional staff, usually the nurse and other attendants. Most of them are overworked and get to commit mistakes during the course of enteral applications. The consequences may be grave when there is a misconnection of the tubing.

A number of important changes have been made across the country to prevent such mishaps. The connectors have been standardized with different types of connectors being unable to be fitted together. The safety has been enhanced well and truly in the neo natal units by making the transition to unique ENFit connectors successfully today.

It is important for the manufacturers of feeding tubes to stick to the standardization rules so that each product can obtain the clearance from FDA. Making the transition to the new products that remove the possibility of misconnection totally can be a boon for both the patients and the medical facility. It might be essential for the purchase department of a medical facility to discuss about sourcing only ENFit products in the near future. The transition process is sure to be smooth once the entire staff is trained effectively to make use of the syringes, administration sets, and feeding tubes that enhance the safety of the tiny babies delivered prematurely.

Every neo natal ICU stores a number of feeding tubes for stabilizing the new born infants who have to be helped with nutrition. The neonatal feeding tube varies sharply in accordance with the requirement though. The tubes are inserted via different routes and into diverse parts of the body so that the infant can get the required nutrition & medication speedily.

Kinds of Enteral Tubes

Nasoenteric Tubes- This tube is employed for a short term only. The tube is introduced via the nasal cavity to reach the stomach for allowing a pathway for introduction of nutrients into the body. The care givers need to check the position of the tube every time food, water or medication is administered through the tubes.

Enterostomy Tubes –This form of tubes are only introduced when the patient is stable enough to withstand the process. The procedure varies according to the need though with a syringe used to administer the nutrients or a gravity drip employed periodically. However, an enteral pump may be required for continuous administration of the feed for 8 to 24 hours at a stretch.

A jejunal feeding tube may also have to be placed inside the intestine in certain cases. Professionals usually choose to insert the tube by opting for a surgical procedure.