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Tube Feeding (Fluids and Food) |
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 Can
you try artifial nutrition and hydration for a while and then stop
?
If death is not expected in hours to days, you and your family may
consider a time-limited trial
of artificial nutrition (food) or hydration (liquid) to see if it
improves your comfort, alertness, or energy. To give tube feedings
for a short period of time, a tube is usually threaded through the
nose into the stomach. For longer periods of tube feedings, tubes
may be placed through the abdomen directly into the stomach. This
is a surgical procedure performed by gastroenterologists or surgeons,
depending on the patient’s other medical problems. Intravenous (IV)
catheters are usually placed in the veins of the arm or hand to give
artificial hydration. If IVs are going to be used for nutrition as
well as hydration, then larger IVs usually must be placed in the large
veins of the arm, neck, chest, or groin.
You and your family should agree in advance with your doctor about
what you hope to accomplish from trying tube feedings or IV fluid.
You should also determine, in advance, how long to wait to see if
you are getting any better before removing the tubes. |
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Adapted from The
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness,
by Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold, copyright by Joanne Lynn, used by
permission of Oxford University Press.
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