Core IM | Internal Medicine Podcast #146 Tube Feeds: 5 Pearls Segment
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Feb 28, 2024 Explore the nuances of tube feeds with insights on indications, routes of access, complications, counseling patients, and medication interactions. Learn about the impact of malnutrition, initiating tube feeds in hospitalized patients, optimizing formulas, and specialized options for renal and digestive patients. Dive into managing challenges like aspiration risk, diarrhea, and cramping, emphasizing individualized care and patient-specific needs.
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Malnutrition Diagnosis Essentials
- Diagnose malnutrition using physical exam and history of intake, weight loss, and functional status.
- Do not rely on albumin or pre-albumin as markers because they reflect inflammation, not nutrition.
Gut Integrity Requires Feeding
- Feeding through the gut maintains mucosal integrity and prevents gut lining breakdown.
- Early enteral nutrition protects the gut and supports patient recovery.
Contraindications to Tube Feeding
- Avoid tube feeds if the gut isn't working due to obstruction, ileus, or severe motility issues.
- Do not start tube feeds in patients with advanced dementia as it won't prolong life or prevent aspiration.