Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding tube in neuroscience patients.
Despite a few associated complications, the PEG is considered an excellent feeding tube for long-term enteral nutritional support, especially in the patient with neurologic dysfunction. The tube can be easily removed if the patient is able to resume oral intake and no longer needs supplemental nutrition. This tube can be easily converted to a gastro-jejunal tube if it is later determined a patient needs to be fed distal to the pylorus. Neuroscience nurses should be aware of this feeding tube, its indications, method of insertion and care in order to better provide adequate and safe nutritional therapy.
Guenter
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Surgical Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA 19104.
D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005774:Gastrostomy; D006801:Humans; D009488:Neurosciences; D013041:Specialties, Nursing