Assessment:
Check the physician’s order. Read any observations about previous feeding noted on the patient’s chart. Wash your hands.
Planning:
Gather any equipment you will need, as follows: Feeding formula-warm is indicated, drinking water, stethoscope and towel.
Implementation:
Identify the patient. Explain what you are going to do. Place the patient in semi-fowler’s position. Drape chest with towel. Test the placement of the tube and for residual formula. Asepto syringe method. When you use this method, hold the syringe manually, and fill and refill. Again, do not allow the water or formula to fall below the narrowing at the bottom of the syringe. Flush with prescribed amount of water. Use gravity flow to move the formula through the tube. If the flow slows down or stops, gentle pressure on the asepto bulb or ”milking” the tubing may help. If the patient gags during the feeding, stop the procedure. After the feeding, clamo the tube or plug it. Reposition the patient in low or semi-fowler’s position. If the patient is comatose, the head should be turned to one side. Wash your hands.
Evaluation:
Return to the patient in approximately 30 minutes.
Documentation:
Record on the medication sheet or progress notes. Your notes should indicate the date, time, type, and amount of formula, amount of water and patient’s response.
