Table 18Indications for enteral tube feeding

Indication for enteral tube feedingExample
Unconscious patientHead injury, ventilated patient
Neuromuscular swallowing disorderPost-CVA, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease
Physiological anorexiaCancer, sepsis, liver disease, HIV
Upper GI obstructionOro-pharyngeal or oesophageal stricture or tumour
GI dysfunction or MalabsorptionDysmotility inflammatory bowel disease, reduced bowel length (although PN may be needed)
Increased nutritional requirementsCystic fibrosis, burns
Psychological problemsSevere depression or anorexia nervosa
Specific treatmentInflammatory bowel disease, for short term enteral access during surgery i.e. head and neck cancer,
Mental healthPatients with Dementia

From: 9, Enteral tube feeding in hospital and the community

Cover of Nutrition Support for Adults
Nutrition Support for Adults: Oral Nutrition Support, Enteral Tube Feeding and Parenteral Nutrition.
NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 32.
National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care (UK).
Copyright © 2006, National Collaborating Centre for Acute Care.

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