Assessment

The following list of questions can be used during the nutrition assessment interview to identify the child’s tube feeding regimen. Recommendations for changes can be made to the team that manages the child’s tube feeding.

• What products are used?
• What is the feeding schedule?
  • bolus feedings: how many mL or ounces per feeding?
  • drip feedings: what is the rate? how long is the pump on?
• What times are feedings?
• How much water is used to flush the tube?
• Does your child seem comfortable after each feeding?
• How do you tell if your child is hungry?
• Does the feeding schedule fit the family and school routine? How often do you deviate from the schedule?

The following questions for caregivers can be used to identify some problems associated with the tube feeding:

• Are there problems with the gastrostomy site?
• Does your child have constipation or diarrhea or problems with vomiting?
• What are the instructions if the tube needs to be replaced?
• Do you have problems getting the formula?
• Do you sometimes have to turn the pump off at night?
• Who else can feed your child?