Tube Feeding - Constipation and Diarrhea Teachings

Patient/cg taught on how manage GI complications while on tube feeding such as constipation or diarrhea. Taught patient/cg on how to manage constipation and to observe for s/s such as: difficult or very few bowel movements, feeling full or uncomfortable, may experience loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, cramping, or pain. Possible causes of constipation may be: not enough fluid intake, lack of fiber or bulk, side effect of medications, inactivity. Prevention and treatment of constipation include: flushing tube with water as needed up to the goal of 1000 ml per day, and to try more exercise, walking is best, if possible, instructed patient/cg to try to have a set time for a bowel movement. Instructed patient/cg that if there is an urge to go to the bathroom, do not wait. Also instructed patient/cg to talk with GI doctor about a bowel program: stool softeners, laxatives, and/or enemas may be needed. Finally, instructed patient/cg to not let constipation get longer than a week as there may be more serious complications that may occur. Also taught patient/cg that the opposite may occur - diarrhea. Diarrhea means many loose and watery bowel movements. Loose stools may be normal with tube feeding. A few loose stools in 24 hours are not a problem. Five or more per day for more than two days can be a problem. Instructions were given in regards to prevention of diarrhea such as: relaxation, not to give the tube feeding any faster than ordered, make sure all tube feeding equipment is clean, cover and refrigerate any opened feeding not being used, throw away any feeding that has been opened for more than two days, make sure amount of water ordered is taken. Instructed patient/cg that if diarrhea does not stop after 2-3 days, to call SN or physician immediately.