tube feeding for a parkinson's disease patient/client

[nurse.chanel]

hi everyone,

i was just wondering if there is a certain type of tube feeding that is commonly seen in mobile clients with parkinson's disease?

we were given a case study that did not specify the type of tubing used ..

thanks for your help!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Was the case study asking for the type of tubing, or is it asking about the type of formula that the patient is to be fed?

I would conjecture that a mobile, ambulatory patient with Parkinson's might need bolus feedings of a high-calorie, high-protein formula to prevent a negative nitrogen balance that might result from all of the involuntary movements. Of course, this is simply a guess, so take it with a grain of salt. :)

[bookwormom]

Might not be high protein, with Parkinson's meds.

[leslie :-D]

i definitely agree w/the need for a hi-cal formula, but not sure about high protein?

i remember vaguely, learning about a protein interaction w/levodopa...that circulating proteins decrease the distribution of l-dopa to the brain.

(i'm too tired to research this now.:))

but if true, i'd encourage bolus feedings and giving parkinson meds inbetween.

it's not so much a matter of decreasing protein intake, but taking meds that won't coincide w/protein levels.

leslie

[nurse.chanel]

thanks so much for your replies! i'll take what you guys have said and further research on it :)

thanks again! :w00t: