Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. FEEDING A PATIENT BY NASAL OR GASTROSTOMY TUBE REMEMBER 1.Every patient is to have his own feeding set. a.Feeding set consists of plastic funnel, tubing and pitcher. b.Individual feeding sets are to be kept on first shelf in patient's bedside stand. 2.Formula feedings are prepared over a 24 hour period. a.Day visit serves formula to patient between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. b.Evening (if needed, ordered) visit serves formula to patient between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. c.Night (if needed, ordered) visit serves formula to patient between 3: 00 a. m. and 4: 00 a. m. To feed patient formula via tube it is not necessary to wake him. 3.Amount of formula given to the patient is recorded by the professional on the progress note. a.This amount is not added into total amounts of fluids received for 24 hour period. b.Amount of formula patient is to receive is determined by patient's physician. 4.Give formula feeding slowly. The speed of the flow is increased by lowering the funnel. Never may funnel be raised above the level of the patient's eyes. Average formula feeding of 12-16 ounces takes 10 to 15 minutes. 5. If available, instruct patient’s family/caregiver about how to feed a patient. Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-26