Question

Discuss parenteral and enteral nutrition. Why would these sources of nutrition be utilized in the clinical setting? Name two nursing interventions with each type of nutritional source. What complications can occur with each type of nutrition?

Answer 1

A life survives with the help of nutrients received from food. This is the natural process of an individual to eat and be healthy. This can be a major issue if the individual is a sick patient who refuses or unable to take food. Here comes the parenteral or enternal nutrition to meet the needs and prevent any deficiency.

Parenteral nutrition

The parentral nutrition are generally administered through the vein directly into the blood stream as the required calorie and nutrients (eg.,TPN) .This is the second option to NG feed because of the risk of infection and other problems .The nursing intervention required inntgese feeding are monitoring for blood glucose levels as this can cause elevated blood glucose levels. Follow asepsis during procedure to prevent infection.Continious monitoring throughout the feed is required to observe for any reaction or complications..

The complications are risk of infection and blood clot, micronutrient deficiency ,altered blood glucose levels.

Enteral nutrition

The enternal nutrition refers to the feeding via the gastrointestinal tract but via tube inserted through the nostrils(NG feeding ) or by a surgical intervention inserting a tube in gastric region (PEG feeding) .This technique is more natural because the food as liquid contents enters the gastrointestinal tract, digested and absorbed to receive the nutrients .The nursing intervention required are to feed the patient second hourly or as per order. Check for position before eating h feed and maintaining it.

The complications are already gastrointestinal functions, risk of aspirations, easy clogging if the tube of not flushed after feed, risk for dislodgement during activity and mobilisation .