Operating Guide for Enteral Nutrition Bags: Correct Usage Methods and Precautions

 

The enteral nutrition bag is a professional medical device used to deliver nutrition to patients who are unable to eat normally. Its scientific usage is directly related to the patient's digestion, absorption, health, and safety. This article will systematically explain the operating steps, feeding methods, and core precautions of enteral nutrition bags to help caregivers standardize the feeding process.

 

I. Preparatory Work before Operation

1. Personal Hygiene Preparation

Before operation, thoroughly wash your hands with antiseptic soap and dry them to prevent bacteria from contaminating the nutrient solution or the feeding tube interface.

2. Equipment Inspection and Cleaning

Ensure that the nutrition bag is intact and not expired. The matching syringe and adapter tube should be cleaned with warm water and neutral detergent and then air - dried. For long - term use catheters, flush the lumen with 30 ml of warm water daily to avoid blockage.

3. Principles of Nutrient Preparation

 - For powder preparations, add them to warm water at 38 - 40°C according to the dietitian's ratio. Stir until completely dissolved and let it stand for 5 minutes to eliminate bubbles.

 - For liquid preparations, mark the opening time after opening the can. The unused part should be refrigerated within 24 hours, and those exceeding the time limit must be discarded.

 

II. Key Points of Three Feeding Methods

1. Single - bolus Injection Method

This method is suitable for patients with good gastrointestinal function. Fill a 50 - ml syringe with 60 - 100 ml of nutrient solution and slowly inject it through the feeding tube (completed in 5 - 10 minutes). Feed every 2 - 4 hours to simulate the normal eating rhythm.

2. Gravity Drip Method

Hang the enteral bag filled with the nutrient solution on an infusion stand and adjust the drip rate to 100 - 200 ml/hour. Check the drip rate every 4 hours to prevent the tube from kinking and affecting the flow rate. This method is suitable for patients who need medium - speed infusion.

3. Pump - controlled Continuous Infusion

Use an enteral nutrition pump to set an accurate flow rate (usually 20 - 100 ml/hour), and continuous infusion can be carried out for 12 - 24 hours. Before infusion, flush the tube with 20 ml of normal saline. Pause every 4 hours to check the gastric residual volume. This method is suitable for critically ill patients or those with gastrointestinal intolerance.

 

III. Key Precautions

1. Position and Safety Monitoring

During feeding, keep the patient in a semi - recumbent position at 30 - 45°. Maintain this position for more than 30 minutes after the infusion is completed. Infants should keep their heads higher than their stomachs to prevent reflux and aspiration.

2. Temperature and Dosage Control

The temperature of the nutrient solution should be maintained at 37 - 40°C. Too cold may cause intestinal spasm, and too hot may damage the mucosa. Start the initial infusion at 20 ml/hour and increase it by 20 ml daily until the target amount is reached.

3. Handling of Abnormal Situations

Immediately stop the infusion if vomiting occurs. Turn the patient to the side - lying position to clear the oral secretions. If there are more than 3 episodes of diarrhea per day or persistent abdominal distension, contact medical staff to adjust the formula concentration or infusion speed.

4. Storage and Disinfection Regulations

The prepared nutrient solution should not be left at room temperature for more than 4 hours. Unopened liquid preparations should be stored away from light, and opened ones should be refrigerated for no more than 24 hours. Disinfect the feeding tube interface with 75% alcohol cotton pads daily.

 

IV. Daily Maintenance Requirements

 - After using the nutrition bag, disassemble all components and rinse the residual liquid with running water.

 - Boil the syringe and connecting tube once a week (for heat - resistant materials) or soak them in a special disinfectant.

 - Check the skin condition at the fixed position of the feeding tube daily. If there is redness and exudation, handle it in time.

Following the above operating specifications can significantly reduce the risk of complications. For special cases, adjust the formula ratio and infusion parameters under the guidance of a doctor. During the feeding process, carefully record the intake, infusion speed, and the body's reaction to provide accurate evidence for treatment evaluation.