A client who has had gastric surgery that affected the effectiveness of his alimentary system will be fed via a gastrostomy tube upon his discharge to home. The nurse recognizes that the primary reason for this means of nutrition is that it is:

Question

1. Less likely to produce side effects than parenteral nutrition.
2. Less invasive than a jejunostomy tube.
3. More cost effective than nasogastric feeding.
4. More supportive of the specialized diet the client will require.

Answer 1

Less likely to produce side effects than parenteral nutrition.

Rationale: The purpose of a gastrostomy tube is to provide complete nutrition through the alimentary system. It is safer and has fewer side effects than total parenteral nutrition (TPN), particularly when the patient is to have feedings at home. The gastrostomy tube is as invasive as the jejunostomy tube. It is not necessarily more cost effective than nasogastric feeding, nor is it more appropriate for specialized feeding needs.