Management of feeding tube complications in the long-term care resident

Enteral nutrition is a common mechanism for providing adequate nutrition in the long-term care setting. However, enteral nutrition is associated with various complications, which include aspiration and gastrointestinal, metabolic, and mechanical problems. Optimal recognition and management of these complications is critical for safe and successful administration of enteral nutrition. This article discusses types of feeding tubes; possible complications, including common drug - enteral feeding interactions; and recommendations for practice.