Enteral Feeding Tubes

A Guide to Bolus Feeding

 

Being able to receive proper nutrition is critically important to all of us. For those with feeding tubes, this can be even more crucial since they can’t get their nutrition through the normal act of eating. The use of a feeding tube (a.k.a. enteral feeding or enteral nutrition) may be the only option for the introduction of nutrition. Administering liquid nutrition through a feeding tube can be done in several ways, but the most common is bolus feeding. Let me give you some insight into what bolus feeding is and how to do it safely.

What Is Bolus Feeding?

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “feeding tube,” but do you really understand what this medical device requires? What is a bolus, and what does it do? Certain medical issues can require the insertion of a feeding tube to introduce nutrition safely. These can include:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Cancer
• Obstructed bowel
• Narrowing of the esophagus
• Paralysis
• Stroke

The feeding tube inserted introduces a liquid with needed nutritional content directly into the stomach, bypassing any medical condition that makes standard eating impossible. The flexible tube is inserted through the nose or belly, providing needed nutrients. By connecting a syringe filled with formula/liquid supplement to the feeding tube and slowly introducing this nutritional liquid into the feeding tube, patients can receive the nutrition they require. A bolus feeding schedule should be established to introduce vital nutrition regularly.

How It’s Done

So, what exactly does bolus feeding mean, and how is it achieved? In order to deliver liquid nutrition into a feeding tube, bolus feeding accomplishes this by attaching a syringe full of nutritional liquid and slowly introducing it into the feeding tube. You will need:

• Formula or nutritional supplement
• Water
• Syringe
• Tube feeding system
• Disposable gloves

If you should be utilizing homemade, blended food, be absolutely sure that it is exceptionally smooth and viscous so that the feeding tube doesn’t clog. The best way to achieve this is with a high-quality blender. The steps you need to take for bolus feeding are:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly: Be sure to wash with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds in warm water. Wear your gloves to prevent potential infections.
2. Check for liquid formula/supplement expiration date: By ensuring that any liquid injected hasn’t expired, the risk of food poisoning or other gastrointestinal issues can be minimized.
3. Flush with water: Flush the feeding tube with approximately 60 mL of water. This can reduce clogs/blockages as well as lubricate the feeding tube.
4. Connect feeding tube to port: Connect the feeding tube to the gastrostomy port in the patient.
5. Fill syringe: Pour the prescribed amount of formula/supplement into the syringe and close the feeding tube clamp.
6. Connect to feeding tube: Be sure to connect the syringe to the feeding tube securely to ensure that there are no leaks.
7. Administered feeding: Slowly inject the formula/supplement by pressing down on the syringe. Typically, 15 ounces of liquid takes approximately eight minutes to administer safely.
8. Close port and remove tube: Once the nutritional liquid is fully administered, close the gastrostomy port and remove the feeding tube. Wash all components and let them air dry.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If done properly, there should be minimal or no issues. Since bolus feedings can be new or even scary to some, work with a registered dietitian or your doctor/physician if you have questions. You should call your doctor if you experience:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea/vomiting
• Tube displacement
• Site irritation/tube leakage

Delivering necessary nutrition via a feeding tube can seem scary. By utilizing bolus feeding, this process can be achieved in a safe manner. Working with your doctor, nutritionist, or nurse can help you become familiar with this procedure so you can give your loved one or patient the proper nutrition they need.

Where to buy supplies for bolus feeding?

HPFY has been online since 2002. We carry a wide range of medical supplies, including enteral feeding products, to help you take care of your loved ones. Explore our catalog today to find all that you need. 

References:

• Feeding Tubes: Types, Placement, What to Know - WebMD
• Tube Feeding(Enteral Nutrition)- Cleveland Clinic
• How to Give Bolus Feedings Through a Feeding Tube - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Tube Feeding Troubleshooting Guide - The Oley Foundation

 

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