An enteral feeding pump is a specialized electronic device designed to deliver liquid nutrition directly into a person’s gastrointestinal tract through a feeding tube. This method, called enteral nutrition, is used when a person cannot safely or adequately consume enough food orally, such as due to difficulty swallowing or certain medical conditions. The pump ensures that the nutrition is delivered slowly and consistently at a precise rate over a specified period, which is important for continuous or overnight feedings. Proper setup is paramount, as it directly influences the accuracy of nutritional delivery and patient safety.
Preparation: Gathering Supplies and Formula
Preparation begins with meticulous hygiene to prevent contamination; wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. Establish a clean, stable surface for preparation. Gather all necessary equipment, including the pump itself, the prescribed formula, the feeding bag or set, and any water needed for flushing the tube.
The liquid nutrition requires careful inspection before use. Gently shake the formula container to ensure the contents are properly mixed and uniform. Verify the expiration date on the formula to ensure its safety. Once checked, pour the prescribed amount of formula into the clean feeding bag, taking care not to overfill it beyond the maximum capacity (often 1,000 mL).
Loading the Feeding Set onto the Pump
With the formula prepared and the bag filled, connect the feeding set—which includes the tubing and a cassette—to the pump mechanism. The feeding bag is typically hung on an IV pole so the formula is positioned above the pump, allowing gravity to assist the flow. The feeding set includes a specialized cassette that interacts directly with the pump’s internal mechanism to control the flow rate.
Open the pump door, and carefully seat the cassette into the designated slot on the pump body. This placement involves looping a section of the soft silicone tubing around an internal wheel or rotor. The cassette must be fully seated, and the tubing must not be kinked or stretched excessively to ensure the pump can accurately regulate the delivery. The pump door is then closed and clicked securely into place, confirming the tubing is correctly engaged for operation.
Priming the Tubing
Priming the tubing is a mandatory safety step that removes all air from the line before connecting it to the patient’s feeding tube. Air introduced into the gastrointestinal tract can cause significant discomfort. This process is accomplished by allowing the formula to completely fill the length of the tubing from the bag down to the connection port.
Most modern pumps feature an “Auto Prime” function selected from the menu after the tubing is loaded, which rapidly fills the line with formula. Alternatively, the “Prime” button can be held down manually until the formula is visible at the very end of the line. During priming, hold the end of the tubing over a container or sink to catch the expelled formula. The line must be completely free of air bubbles before proceeding. Once the liquid reaches the connector tip, the pump will automatically stop the flow if the auto-prime function was used.
Initiating and Monitoring the Feeding
The final setup stage involves connecting the primed feeding set to the patient and programming the delivery parameters. Ensure the patient is positioned safely with their head elevated to at least a thirty-degree angle to minimize the risk of aspiration. The end of the primed tubing is securely connected to the patient’s feeding tube. The connection used, such as an ENFit connector, must be firmly attached to prevent accidental dislodgement.
The pump is turned on, and the prescribed rate and total volume of the feeding are entered using the pump’s interface. Once the rate and volume are confirmed against the doctor’s orders, pressing the “Run” or “Start” button initiates the feeding. The pump will deliver the formula at the programmed hourly rate until the total volume is infused. Immediate monitoring involves listening for the pump’s operational motor, verifying that the formula is flowing, and checking the patient for any signs of discomfort or intolerance.