Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
GAVAGE FEEDING A CHILD
Gavage feeding is the administration of liquid nutrition directly into the stomach through a nasogastric or orogastric tube.
Purpose
- Provide nutrition when oral feeding is not possible
- Ensure adequate caloric intake
- Maintain hydration
Indications
- Premature infants unable to suck/swallow
- Neurological impairment
- Respiratory distress
- Post-surgical recovery
Equipment
- Appropriate size feeding tube
- Syringe
- Stethoscope
- pH strips
- Formula/breast milk
- Water for flushing
- Tape
- Gloves
Preparation
- Gather all equipment
- Warm formula to room temperature
- Calculate required volume
- Prepare clean environment
Procedure steps
- Verify physician order
- Perform hand hygiene
- Explain procedure to caregiver
- Position child appropriately
- Measure tube length
- Insert tube gently
- Verify placement
- Aspirate gastric contents
- Check pH
- Administer feed slowly
- Flush with water
- Secure tube
- Position for digestion
Precautions
- Verify tube placement before each feed
- Monitor for aspiration signs
- Use appropriate formula temperature
- Avoid rapid administration
Aftercare
- Monitor tolerance
- Assess abdominal distension
- Document intake
- Observe for complications
Nursing considerations
- Use developmental care principles
- Minimize handling during feeds
- Monitor growth parameters
Patient education
- Teach signs of tube displacement
- Demonstrate feeding technique
- Explain importance of positioning
Documentation
- Tube size and insertion length
- Placement verification method
- Amount and type of feed
- Child's tolerance
- Complications if any
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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