Tube feeding—also called enteral nutrition—is a method of delivering liquid nutrition directly into the stomach or small intestine through a medical tube when a patient cannot eat or swallow safely.

• A tube is placed:
  • Through the nose (short-term)
  • Or directly into the stomach/intestine (long-term)
• Patients receive nutritionally complete formulas tailored to their needs
• Feeding can be delivered:
  • By syringe (bolus)
  • By gravity bag
  • Or by a pump over several hours
• Set up and manage feeding schedules
• Monitor tolerance (nausea, diarrhea, weight changes)
• Clean and maintain the tube site to prevent infection
• Teach patients/caregivers how to safely administer feedings

This type of care supports patients who have difficulty breathing on their own, ranging from oxygen therapy to full ventilator support.

• Use of:
  • Oxygen therapy systems
  • CPAP/BiPAP machines
  • Mechanical ventilators (in more complex cases)
• Monitoring breathing, oxygen levels, and lung function
• Managing airways (e.g., tracheostomy care in some patients)
• Set up and maintain respiratory equipment
• Monitor for complications (infection, breathing distress)
• Suction airways when needed
• Educate caregivers on equipment use and emergency response

This service helps patients manage urinary or bowel function when the body can’t do so normally.

• A catheter is a tube used to drain urine from the bladder
• Care includes:
  • Cleaning and maintaining the catheter
  • Monitoring urine output
  • Preventing infections

Ostomy Care

• An ostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) that allows waste to exit the body
• Types include:
  • Colostomy (large intestine)
  • Ileostomy (small intestine)
  • Urostomy (urinary system)
• Clean and protect the skin around the site
• Change bags and appliances
• Monitor for infection or complications
• Educate patients on proper hygiene and maintenance