#146 Tube Feeds: 5 Pearls Segment

The Core IM Thigh Pearls Podcast episode discusses tube feeds, covering nutritional assessment, indications for starting tube feeds, routes of enteral access, components of tube feeds, and potential complications. Speakers, including a dietician, gastroenterologist, and hospitalists, share insights on diagnosing malnutrition using physical findings and history, determining when to initiate tube feeds based on patient condition and gut functionality, and choosing the appropriate route for tube feeds (temporary vs. durable). They also discuss different types of tube feed formulas (standard, semi-elemental, elemental) and how to manage complications like diarrhea and aspiration. The episode concludes with advice on transitioning patients to bolus or gravity feeds for discharge and counseling on medication interactions with tube feeds, emphasizing the importance of flushing tubes and considering medication formulations.