minimize the risk of aspiration of formula in tube-fed patients, the head of the patient's bed should be elevated:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elevating the head of the patient's bed at a 30-degree angle during and for 30 minutes after administration of the feeding can help minimize the risk of aspiration of formula in tube-fed patients. This will allow gravity to assist in keeping the formula in the stomach and reducing the potential for it to be regurgitated into the lungs. Elevating the head of the bed after administering the feeding may not be as effective in preventing aspiration. Elevating the head of the bed for longer than 30 minutes may not be necessary for most patients unless otherwise indicated. Elevating the head of the patient's bed during and for 30 minutes after administration of the feeding can help minimize the risk of aspiration of formula. This allows gravity to aid in the movement of the formula down into the stomach and prevents it from refluxing back up into the esophagus and potentially into the lungs. Elevating the head for longer than 30 minutes may not provide any additional benefit and can be uncomfortable for the patient.

Minimize the Risk of Aspiration of Formula in Tube-Fed Patients