Feeding tubes should be placed into the small intestine rather than the stomach if

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Feeding tubes should be placed into the small intestine rather than the stomach if the patient is not alert and does not have an intact gag reflex;such patients include comatose patients.Regular polymeric formulas can be administered into the stomach or duodenum,but not the jejunum.Feeding tubes can be passed through the nose or through a stoma into the stomach or into the small intestine;the nose is usually used only if the feeding tube will be needed for less than 1 or 2 weeks.The time frame within which the patient is expected to resume oral feedings affects whether the nose or surgical placement is used,but it does not affect whether feedings are administered into the stomach or small intestine.

Feeding Tubes Should Be Placed into the Small Intestine Rather