Hi, I am doing a presentation for school about the PRO's (good reasons) for feeding tubes...G-tubes, J-tubes, whatever... I know a lot of us do not like them, (myself included) but I had to take this side of the debate for my presentation, and besides religous articles I've found (the religous aspect of things), I can't find many good reasons for placing them. (I am talking about for the most part, in the elderly and generally unhealthy...NOT young people) If anyone can post a good point about feeding tubes I can bring up in my lecture I would very much appreciate it...also, any stories you have OR resources you know about (be it articles, organizations, etc.) PLEASE share. All responses will be appreciated. Thank you so much guys!!!
I used to assist with adult g-tube insertion in radiology. Of all the insertions, I only remember one that made a difference to the life of a patient (as opposed to the existence of the others). I saw him out shopping, he was very pleased with his new way of feeding, if I remember right he had an esophageal fistula, with hx of aspiration pneumonia.
I used to assist with adult g-tube insertion in radiology. Of all the insertions, I only remember one that made a difference to the life of a patient (as opposed to the existence of the others). I saw him out shopping, he was very pleased with his new way of feeding, if I remember right he had an esophageal fistula, with hx of aspiration pneumonia.
Specializes in Neurology, Neurosurgerical & Trauma ICU.
I used to assist with adult g-tube insertion in radiology. Of all the insertions, I only remember one that made a difference to the life of a patient (as opposed to the existence of the others). I saw him out shopping, he was very pleased with his new way of feeding, if I remember right he had an esophageal fistula, with hx of aspiration pneumonia.
I suppose you never worked with stroke pt's or head bleed patients who had to have a feeding tube during recovery? NGs are very irritating and pts. are often visibly more comfortable after insertion. As the OP said, they're not always permanent!
Also, you said you worked in the insertion....so you never really saw them after they were in then?????
Specializes in Neurology, Neurosurgerical & Trauma ICU.
I used to assist with adult g-tube insertion in radiology. Of all the insertions, I only remember one that made a difference to the life of a patient (as opposed to the existence of the others). I saw him out shopping, he was very pleased with his new way of feeding, if I remember right he had an esophageal fistula, with hx of aspiration pneumonia.
I suppose you never worked with stroke pt's or head bleed patients who had to have a feeding tube during recovery? NGs are very irritating and pts. are often visibly more comfortable after insertion. As the OP said, they're not always permanent!
Also, you said you worked in the insertion....so you never really saw them after they were in then?????
I work in the ICU, and often long-term vented and trached patients get GJ tubes. Would you have them starve because they can't eat while they're building up to get off the vent? Weaning can take weeks to months, and they'll certainly never wean if they don't get fed. These patients are often elderly and frail, but they are recovering from their original problems. They are just too weak to breathe independently, and need some TLC and time.
I work in the ICU, and often long-term vented and trached patients get GJ tubes. Would you have them starve because they can't eat while they're building up to get off the vent? Weaning can take weeks to months, and they'll certainly never wean if they don't get fed. These patients are often elderly and frail, but they are recovering from their original problems. They are just too weak to breathe independently, and need some TLC and time.
Thanks all...these points have really helped. This project is in a roles class, where we have to present an ethical debate with a partner, well we got the ethics of feeding tubes, and I was the one that got the pro's, obviously. It has been hard and confusing to find points to make in my presentation (besides the obvious, prolong life) I need more than that since it is a 10-minute presentation and I don't want to get up there and look stupid. Thanks guys, you've been a big help!!!
Thanks all...these points have really helped. This project is in a roles class, where we have to present an ethical debate with a partner, well we got the ethics of feeding tubes, and I was the one that got the pro's, obviously. It has been hard and confusing to find points to make in my presentation (besides the obvious, prolong life) I need more than that since it is a 10-minute presentation and I don't want to get up there and look stupid. Thanks guys, you've been a big help!!!
My husband had cancer, never able to eat again after his initial surgery, TPN isn't good for super long term, and with chemo leaves you at high risk for septicemia through your central line. We had a G tube to empty his stomach, and a J tube for feeding. He was at HOME, not in a hospital forever.
My husband had cancer, never able to eat again after his initial surgery, TPN isn't good for super long term, and with chemo leaves you at high risk for septicemia through your central line. We had a G tube to empty his stomach, and a J tube for feeding. He was at HOME, not in a hospital forever.
Mimi2RN, ASN, RN
1,142 Posts
I used to assist with adult g-tube insertion in radiology. Of all the insertions, I only remember one that made a difference to the life of a patient (as opposed to the existence of the others). I saw him out shopping, he was very pleased with his new way of feeding, if I remember right he had an esophageal fistula, with hx of aspiration pneumonia.