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Nutrition Interventions for Children with Special Health Care Needs

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Appendix N<br />

Table N-2: Common Complications of Tube Feeding<br />

Complication Possible Cause Intervention<br />

Rapid administration of feeding • For continuous drip feeding, return infusion rate to previous tolerated level, then<br />

gradually increase rate<br />

• For bolus feeding, increase length of time <strong>for</strong> feeding; allow short break during<br />

feeding; offer smaller and more frequent feedings<br />

Nausea/Vomiting and<br />

Diarrhea<br />

• Switch to isotonic <strong>for</strong>mula<br />

• Dilute current <strong>for</strong>mula to isotonic, and gradually increase to full strength<br />

• Check that <strong>for</strong>mula is mixed properly<br />

• Avoid adding other foods to <strong>for</strong>mula, i.e. baby food, powdered <strong>for</strong>mula<br />

Hyperosmolar solution (energydense<br />

and/or high protein<br />

<strong>for</strong>mulas)<br />

Medication • Do not add medication to <strong>for</strong>mula; give between feeding <strong>with</strong> water or juice<br />

• Medications that may cause diarrhea include antibiotics, GI neurologic stimulants,<br />

beta blockers, stool softeners, liquid medications <strong>with</strong> sorbitol<br />

• Review medication profile and make recommendations <strong>for</strong> changes<br />

Air in stomach/intestine • Burp child during feedings or allow <strong>for</strong> short breaks<br />

• Use medication to decrease gas, ie, simethicone<br />

• Elevate child’s head during feeding and <strong>for</strong> 30 minutes after meal<br />

364 <strong>Nutrition</strong> <strong>Interventions</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Children</strong> With <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Care</strong> <strong>Needs</strong><br />

• Pull on tube to reposition against stomach wall<br />

Tube migration from stomach<br />

to small intestine<br />

Cold <strong>for</strong>mula • Warm <strong>for</strong>mula to room temperature<br />

Rapid GI transit • Select fiber enriched <strong>for</strong>mula<br />

Bacterial contamination • Refrigerate open cans of <strong>for</strong>mula, keep only as long as manufacturer suggests<br />

• Clean tops of <strong>for</strong>mula cans be<strong>for</strong>e opening<br />

• Hang only a 4 hour amount of <strong>for</strong>mula at a time<br />

• Be sure feeding sets are cleaned well<br />

Allergy / lactose intolerance • Try a lactose-free <strong>for</strong>mula<br />

• Try soy <strong>for</strong>mula; if allergic to soy, try elemental or semi-elemental <strong>for</strong>mula<br />

Excessive flavorings • Stop using flavorings<br />

Excessive fat • Decrease fat in <strong>for</strong>mula or use MCT oil<br />

• Refer to physician

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