Nasogastric Feeding

Advanced Assessment & Management

Key points

1. Use a large bore nasogastric feeding tube (NGT) when commencing enteral feeding.
2. Introduce feed gradually and according to flow diagram.
3. Once feeding is established, aspirate NGT minimum of once daily.
4. Critically ill patients should commence feeding as soon as possible.
5. Perform blood glucose monitoring 4 hourly.
6. Any drugs administered by NGT should be liquid and given separately from the feed with flushing before and after with water.
7. To minimise aspiration, patients should be fed sat at 30° or greater.