EN and TPN and slow rate?

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Can nurses slow the EN and TPN ordered rate w/o consulting physicians first for any reason (i.e. patient feels pain, constipated, etc)?

thanks.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Enteral feeds? I really have no experience with this.

TPN? No. Slowing that can really effect someone's fluid status, blood glucose, and electrolytes. TPN has no effect on GI complaints.

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Specializes in PACU, CARDIAC ICU, TRAUMA, SICU, LTC.

It is not within the scope of nursing practice to arbitrarily make changes in the rate of infusion of TPN or EN.

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Specializes in ER.

No.

You may have a protocol already written for some situations. Without a protocol you must ask the doc.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

Not without an MD order. However, if there are high residuals/vomiting or infiltration, you should stop the infusion. Enteral feeding should be started slowly and increased by 10ml q 8h if tolerated, so if you do have to stop it, resuming at a lower rate is acceptable until you reach the goal.

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing, Orthopediacs.

We are always given the max residual rates that a pt. should have and then we are able to stop it at that point till the next residual rate.

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