Plan for Initiation, monitoring, and follow-up

For Initiation and monitoring of Tube feeding we need to:
1. chest x-ray for proper tube placement before starting TF
2. Verify proper tube position by abdominal auscultation
3. Head should be propped 30 degrees during and 30 minutes following feeding.
4. Change tubing daily
5. Refill with fresh formula at each feeding.  


Follow-up:

Our plan includes increasing patientŐs nutritional status in hopes of decreasing dementia 
associated with malnutrition and dehydration.  After the patient is somewhat repleted, we 
hope to start the patient on PO foods.  To do this, we need to educate the caregivers about 
feeding habits of AD patients.  For example, finger foods placed in different parts of the 
home.  The family already mentioned the possibility of a nursing home if she doesnŐt 
return to live with them. 

A lot of what happens after depletion is dependent on where she goes after discharge.  If 
the patient does not increase PO intake, nutrition support may have to be permanent.