Describe indications, advantages, and disadvantages of the following types of enteral feeding tubes: nasogastric tubes, orogastric tubes, gastrostomy tubes, PEG tubes

Answer 1

Nasogastric tubes are indicated in cases of normal GI function; they stimulate digestive function, are easy to insert and maintain, and they allow for medication administration. Disadvantages of nasogastric tubes include patient discomfort, increased risk of aspiration, irritation of the nasal passages, and the potential for tube displacement. Orogastric tubes are used with normal GI function but when a nasogastric tube is not feasible. Advantages include normal stimulation of gut function, they are easy to insert and maintain, and medications can be placed in the tube. Disadvantages include tube displacement, increased risk of aspiration, and discomfort for the patient. Gastrostomy and PEG tubes bypass the upper GI tract and are used for long-term feedings. Gastrostomy tubes allow for boluses, they are used long term, and there is less risk of aspiration or tube displacement, but they require surgery for placement and the patient can develop skin irritation at the insertion site. PEG tubes can be inserted on an outpatient basis, they allow for bolus feedings, and there is little risk of tube displacement but there is a greater risk of skin irritation at the insertion site.