Development and evaluation of standardized protocol to prevent nasoenteral tube obstruction in cardiac patients requiring enteral nutrition with restricted fluid volumes.

Aims And Objectives: This study sought to assess the impact of a standardized protocol to maintain nasoenteral tube (NET) patency in patients requiring fluid restriction and identify factors associated with tube patency.

Background: Nasoenteral tube obstruction may interrupt nutritional support and prohibit drug administration. Balancing NET patency in the context of fluid restriction can be a challenge.

Design And Methods: The impact of the standardized protocol was assessed by using a quasi-experimental design and an historical control.

Results: Sixty patients receiving nasoenteral feeding as part of their clinical management were enrolled in the study. Nasoenteral obstruction was 8.3%, showing a reduction from the 17.4% observed in the baseline data collection. A key factor associated with tube obstruction was sounding of an infusion pump alarm reflecting the tube patency issues.

Conclusions: While mindful of the limitations of probability sampling, the implementation of a standardized protocol accompanied by staff training reduced the rates of NET obstruction.

Relevance To Clinical Practice: On the basis of these findings, we conclude that it is possible to maintain the patency of small bore tubes, even in the presence of fluid restriction, with a standardized protocol to guide clinical management.