TUBE FEEDING Meaning and
Definition
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Tube feeding, also known as enteral feeding, is a medical intervention that involves the delivery of nutrition through a tube directly into the gastrointestinal tract. It is primarily used when an individual cannot consume sufficient amounts of food or liquids orally to meet their nutritional needs. Tube feeding is commonly utilized in cases of severe dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), prolonged unconsciousness, inability to sufficiently absorb nutrients through the digestive system, or when the gastrointestinal tract cannot be bypassed due to medical reasons.
The tube used for this feeding method can be either nasal or surgically inserted. Nasogastric tubes are placed through the nose and into the stomach, while gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes are inserted through the abdomen and into the stomach or small intestine, respectively. These tubes are typically made of flexible materials and are designed to accommodate safe and effective delivery of liquid nutrition.
Tube feeding formulas, also referred to as enteral formulas or tube feeds, are commercial mixtures of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that provide adequate nutrition. These formulas can be tailored to suit specific dietary requirements or medical conditions. Prior to tube feeding, it is essential to assess the individual's nutritional needs, determine the appropriate formula, and ensure proper tube placement and maintenance.
Tube feeding can be managed at home or in healthcare facilities, depending on the individual's condition and level of assistance required. Close monitoring and regular evaluation are crucial to prevent complications and ensure optimal nutrition and hydration.
Common Misspellings for TUBE FEEDING
- rube feeding
- fube feeding
- gube feeding
- yube feeding
- 6ube feeding
- 5ube feeding
- tybe feeding
- thbe feeding
- tjbe feeding
- tibe feeding
- t8be feeding
- t7be feeding
- tuve feeding
- tune feeding
- tuhe feeding
- tuge feeding
- tubw feeding
- tubs feeding
- tubd feeding
- tubr feeding
Etymology of TUBE FEEDING
The word "tube feeding" has a straightforward etymology. It combines the noun "tube" and the verb "feeding".
The noun "tube" originated from the Latin word "tubus", which means "pipe" or "tube". It was incorporated into Old English as "tubbe" and eventually evolved into the modern English word "tube". A tube is a cylindrical, hollow structure often used for transport or passage of various substances.
The verb "feeding" derives from the Old English word "fēdan", meaning "to nourish" or "to give food to". As an act of providing sustenance to an individual or organism, "feeding" signifies the action of supplying food.
Therefore, when these two words are combined, "tube feeding" refers to the administration of food or nutrients through a tube inserted into a person's body, often utilized when they are unable to eat or swallow normally.
