Troubleshooting (PEG tubes)

Chapter 10: Troubleshooting

Overview:

• Identifies common problems associated with gastrostomy feeding
• Provides strategies to avoid complications from arising

Description:

This chapter identifies some common problems associated with gastrostomy feeding and provides guidance in resolving and preventing them. Some common complications include diarrhoea and constipation, nausea and vomiting, aspiration, tube blockage, abdominal cramps and dehydration.

Topics:

• Introduction
  • Diarrhoea
    • Medications
    • Hypoalbuminaemia
    • Bacterial infection
    • Constipation (spurious diarrhoea)
    • Rate of administration
    • Lack of fibre
    • Temperature of formula
  • Tube blockage
  • Aspiration
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Constipation
  • Dehydration
  • Leakage from the stoma
  • Diabetes management
• Conclusion

Speaker / Author:

Alison Bowie
Alison is an accredited practising dietitian who holds a bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s degrees in nutrition and dietetics. She is a member of the Dietitian’s Association of Australia and is secretary of the Rehabilitation and Aged Care Interest Group of that association.

Alison’s work as a dietitian has been principally in the area of aged care, and she is currently employed as a dietitian at St Vincent’s Hospital and St George’s Hospital (Melbourne, Australia) servicing the geriatric evaluation and management unit. Before this she worked at Melbourne Extended Care and Rehabilitation Service where she was responsible for dietetic services in home enteral-nutrition gastrostomy care and rehabilitation.

Customer Reviews: