Checking for residual

[wecan11]

Have a question for checking for residual in ped's patients.

When we are checking for residual before giving a formula feeding through a mickey feeding tube, what are the parameters for holding the feeding? I hope my question doesn't sound dumb.

I observed pt. last week and he had less than 5 ml. What is the maximum amount of residual for a ped's pt. to have before you need to hold the feeding?

Thank You!

[tothepointeLVN, LVN]

A good rule of thumb is to hold if the residual is greater than 1/2 the hourly rate or if bolus then 50% /#hours between boluses. In practice I will hold if its greater than 30mL. Of course the more you get to know your patient the more this may change.

[caliotter3]

And sometimes the parameters for holding are given per MD order in the plan of care.

[systoly]

It is normal to have residual and only needs to be checked if there are problems or symptoms in which case the feeding needs to be held anyway and if not an isolated instance the feeding volume and or schedule needs to be reevaluated. The routine checking for residual is an outdated practice.