Nutrition Interventions for Children with Special Health Care Needs

• If child has persistent vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
• If the feeding tube is blocked and you cannot remove blockage
• If the feeding tube is pulled out
• If the child has a temperature >101˚F
Common Pump Problems—Check this list if the
pump isn’t working correctly
• Did the “START” button get pressed?
• Are the clamps open?
• Is the tubing kinked?
• Is the drip chamber too full or not positioned correctly?
• Is the “Pause” button on?
• Is the feeding tube plugged?
• If none of the above, call home care agency.
Social Concerns with Tube Feeding
Appendix N
An important consideration in tube feeding is the family’s ability and willingness
to carry out the tube feeding program. Concerns include the availability and cost
of equipment and formula, home sanitation and family hygiene, family support
systems, and other psychosocial factors. Many families have a difficult time deciding
to use a tube for feeding their child. When families are asked about tube feeding,
their concerns include finding a caregiver to tube feed their child, public ignorance
about tube feeding, planning their social life around feeding schedules, and
sadness over depriving their child of the pleasure of eating. Reviewing the benefits
of tube feeding and allowing them to talk with other parents may help decrease
their anxiety. Insurance coverage for formulas and feeding equipment should be
determined before the child is hospitalized for tube placement.
Before the child is discharged from the hospital, the caregiver(s) must be prepared
for tube feeding. More than one family member or caregiver should be taught about
the tube feeding to ensure continuity of the child’s feeding program and to prevent
isolation of the primary caregiver. Caregivers should be thoroughly instructed on the
following aspects of tube feeding: formula preparation, use and care of equipment,
insertion of the tube, stoma care and emergency procedures. The caregivers should
be encouraged to keep the following records in a notebook, which they should bring
to each clinic visit: formula intake, stooling pattern, activity, behavior, medications,
and instructions from medical staff. Identify who will provide formula, supplies,
and nutrition follow-up. A home care company can provide feeding supplies and
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