Temporary feeding tubes are commonly used but may lead to complications if malpositioned. Radiographs are the gold standard for assessing tube position, but clinician concern over radiation risks may curtail their use.
We describe development and use of a reduced dose feeding tube radiograph (RDFTR) targeted for evaluation of feeding tube position.
Age-based abdominal radiograph was adapted to use the lowest mAs setting of 0.32 mAs with field of view between carina and iliac crests. The protocol was tested in DIGI-13 line-pair plates and anthropomorphic phantoms. Retrospective review of initial clinical use compared dose area product (DAP) for RDFTR and routine abdomen, chest, or infant chest and abdomen. Review of RDFTR reports assessed tube visibility, malpositioning, and incidental critical findings.
Testing through a line-pair phantom showed loss of spatial resolution from 2.2 line pairs to 0.6 line pairs but preserved visibility of feeding tube tip in RDFTR protocol. DAP comparisons across 23,789 exams showed RDFTR reduced median DAP 72-93% compared to abdomen, 55-78% compared to chest, and 76-79% compared to infant chest and abdomen (p<0.001). Review of 3286 reports showed tube was visible in 3256 (99.1%), malpositioned in airway 8 times (0.2%) and in the esophagus 74 times (2.3%). The tip was not visualized in 30 (0.9%). Pneumothorax or pneumoperitoneum was noted seven times (0.2%) but was expected or spurious in five of these cases.
RDFTR significantly reduces radiation dose in children with temporary feeding tubes while maintaining visibility of tube tip.

UNASSIGNED: This study aimed to investigate the use of ultrasonography for verifying feeding tube placement in hospitalized cats compared with radiographic evaluation.
UNASSIGNED: This prospective investigation was performed on client-owned cats. The position of the feeding tube was checked using right lateral thoracic radiography and ultrasonography. Ultrasound examinations were performed using a high-frequency linear transducer and a microconvex transducer. The examination was performed in three steps: transverse and longitudinal planes of the left side of the animal\'s neck to identify the feeding tube in the esophagus, and a longitudinal angled plane of the epigastrium to identify the tube at the lower esophageal sphincter.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 25 cats were included in this study. Assessing the correct positioning of the feeding tubes using a right lateral thoracic radiograph revealed that the tube was in the distal esophagus in 12/25 cats and reached the stomach in 13/25 cases.
UNASSIGNED: In all cats, both ultrasonography and right lateral chest radiography identified the feeding tube at the esophageal level. For stomach, ultrasonography demonstrated good values of diagnostic performance compared to radiography, with excellent reliability and validity in terms of sensitivity and predictive value. Ultrasonography is a valid tool for confirming tube placement in the esophagus and is almost as efficient as radiology.

BACKGROUND: Dabrafenib and trametinib are oral targeted agents indicated for BRAF mutated non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma. There is little data to support the administration of these two agents via enteral feeding tube. This case series describes three patients who received compounded dabrafenib and trametinib suspensions through enteral feeding tubes.
METHODS: We present three patients who required dabrafenib and trametinib to be prepared as a non-standard compound for the medications to be administered via feeding tube. The patients were diagnosed with with BRAF mutated cancers including melanoma, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. In all three cases, there was evidence of initial disease response on imaging, and there were no unexpected toxicities secondary to dabrafenib and trametinib.
CONCLUSIONS: There are patients that are unable to tolerate medications by mouth due to dysphagia, anatomical malfunctions, or other digestive disorders. There is limited literature that describes preparation of trametinib and dabrafenib into an enteral suspension. Identifying a safe and efficacious method of administering these two medications via feeding tube ensures that these patients continue to be able to receive them as part of their anti-cancer therapy.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of available data, compounding of dabrafenib and trametinib may be clinically appropriate when benefits outweigh the risk of unconventional administration. Further studies are warranted to assess for the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, stability, and storage for these liquid medications.

When an enteral feeding tube (EFT) is placed, it is not always known how long this nutrition support intervention will be needed. As a result, the type of device the patient originally has placed may not match the function it is required to serve or the lifestyle needs of the patient throughout their enteral nutrition journey. Medicare considers an EFT a prosthetic device, as it is replacing a permanently inoperable or nonfunctioning organ. If we think about an EFT the same way we think about a prosthetic limb, one that needs to be customized to meet all of the patient\'s functional and lifestyle needs, we can also begin to think beyond the procedure room and carefully consider a variety of factors that impact the patient at home receiving enteral nutrition. Proper fit, function, and style is essential in order for the patient to have a positive relationship with their EFT, contributing to their successful home enteral nutrition experience. Clinicians who care for these patients in any setting and in any capacity would benefit from enhancing their understanding of available EFT options, their design components, and available methods of placement. Many home care and outpatient clinicians adopt the role of patient advocate as it relates to a patient\'s enteral nutrition journey, and this expanded knowledge could be used to benefit the patient by improving their overall enteral nutrition experience and ultimately their relationship with their \"prosthetic.\"

Individuals who require home enteral nutrition (EN)-and, subsequently, their families-undergo major changes in family dynamics. They would benefit from an approach that provides ongoing nutrition, hydration, enteral access, and quality of life assessments from knowledgeable clinicians. Most individuals and families will be new to the enteral access device, handling and administration of the nutrition formula, medication delivery through feeding tubes, and troubleshooting associated complications. Educational sessions are typically given but may not be comprehensive enough to meet all needs, especially in the first weeks to months of home EN therapy. Quality of life assessments obtained in the early stages of EN support would help clinicians identify and focus on areas that need special attention for that individual and family. Ongoing clinical care is essential because over time, the nutrition prescription, delivery methods and schedules typically require alterations and feeding tubes need to be assessed and replaced. In addition to these important physical dimensions of care, attention should be placed on the psychological, cognitive, social, and ethical aspects of life for these individuals and their families.

BACKGROUND: Enteral nutrition is essential to improve outcomes in patients who are critically ill. Patients in the prone position, including those diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present additional challenges for enteral nutrition initiation.
METHODS: A novel technique for placing feeding tubes while in the prone position was developed using an electromagnetic placement device and specialty trained clinical nurse specialists. Data were assessed retrospectively to determine effectiveness of this new practice.
RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients had feeding tubes placed while in the prone position; 75% were able to be placed through the postpyloric route, 22% were placed through the gastric route, and 3% unable to be placed. Use of this technique facilitated earlier initiation of feedings by 2 days from time of admission and almost half a day from intubation to feeding. There was no additional radiation exposure from using this technique.
CONCLUSIONS: Ability to place feeding tubes early while patients were prone reduced delays for starting enteral nutrition. Patients with COVID-19 in the prone position were able to receive effective nutrition support earlier with no additional complications.

BACKGROUND: Nasal bridle securement devices were introduced to our adult intensive care unit (ICU) in October 2016 as an alternative for securing small-bore feeding tubes in patients at higher risk of inadvertent tube dislodgement.
METHODS: We assessed high-risk ICU patients from October 2014 to March 2019 to address three objectives. First, we prospectively monitored ICU patients with a nasal bridle for all types of adverse events. Second, we used propensity score methods to create a (1:1) matched historical comparison group (ie, tape group). We then compared the number of inadvertent tube dislodgements and the caloric intake between the tape and nasal bridle groups.
RESULTS: In the prospective group (n = 64), there were 20 adverse events, 12 of which were inadvertent tube dislodgements. Forty-eight participants in the nasal bridle group were matched with participants in the historical group. Thirty-five percent (17/48) of patients in the tape group had at least one inadvertent tube dislodgement; in the nasal bridle group, 48% (23/48) had at least one inadvertent tube dislodgement, although this only occurred in 7 of 48 (15%) patients after the nasal bridle had been inserted. The tape group achieved a lower median percentage of total caloric intake received (66.0%) compared with that of the nasal bridle group (86.1%; P = 0.017).
CONCLUSIONS: In the subpopulation of ICU patients with a small-bore feeding tube who demonstrate a higher risk of inadvertent tube dislodgement, use of the nasal bridle may be associated with a higher caloric intake, even though it does not completely prevent tube dislodgement.

Inappetence may have many origins and, as a presenting sign or observation in the hospitalised patient, is common in feline practice. Nutritional assessment of every patient is encouraged, to identify the need for, and appropriate type of, intervention indicated. The impact of malnutrition may be significant on the feline patient, perpetuating illness, delaying recovery, slowing wound healing and negatively impacting gut health and immunity. Delayed intervention may result in the cat\'s deterioration; hence prompt control of contributing factors such as the underlying illness, pain, nausea, ileus and stress is vital to optimise voluntary food intake. Management is multimodal, comprising reduction of stress, medications and assisted nutrition in the form of tube feeding or parenteral nutrition. Use of antiemetic, analgesic, prokinetic and appetite stimulant medications may restore appetite, but placement of feeding tubes should not be delayed. Feeding tubes are generally well tolerated and allow provision of food, water and medication with minimal stress, although clinicians must be aware of complications such as stoma site infections and refeeding syndrome.
Cats are vulnerable to malnutrition owing to their unique metabolism and specific nutritional requirements. Moreover, their nature as a species means they are susceptible to stress in the hospital environment, which may result in reduced food intake; previous negative experiences may compound the problem. In particular, an inappropriate clinic environment and/or handling may cause or exacerbate inappetence in hospitalised patients, with negative impacts on recovery. Postponing interventions such as feeding tube placement to await improvement, owing to clinician or caregiver apprehension, may hinder recovery and worsen nutritional deficits.
The 2022 ISFM Consensus Guidelines on Management of the Inappetent Hospitalised Cat have been created by a panel of experts brought together by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). Information is based on the available literature, expert opinion and the panel members\' experience.

Enteral nutrition (EN) provides critical macro and micronutrients to individuals who cannot maintain sufficient oral intake to meet their nutritional needs. EN is most commonly required for neurological conditions that impair swallow function, such as stroke, amytrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson\'s disease. An inability to swallow due to mechanical ventilation and altered mental status are also common conditions that necessitate the use of EN. EN can be short or long term and delivered gastrically or post-pylorically. The expected duration and site of feeding determine the type of feeding tube used. Many commercial EN formulas are available. In addition to standard formulations, disease specific, peptide-based, and blenderized formulas are also available. Several other factors should be considered when providing EN, including timing and rate of initiation, advancement regimen, feeding modality, and risk of complications. Careful and comprehensive assessment of the patient will help to ensure that nutritionally complete and clinically appropriate EN is delivered safely.

UNASSIGNED: A task trainer is defined as a model that represents a part or region of the human body such as an arm and an abdomen… generally used to support procedural skills training. Concepts for consideration when selecting a task trainer include fidelity and cognitive load. Insertion of small - bore FTs in acutely ill patients continues to be a high - risk skill. The most frequent complication is insertion of the F T into the pulmonary system, which can lead to pneumothorax, pneumonitis and death. Training consists of placing the FT under electromagnetic visual assistance in a task trainer.
UNASSIGNED: This study describes assessment of two task trainers that are used to simulate assisted feeding tube (FT) insertion. Simulation is an excellent approach to close the learning gap and ensure competency. Study selection: This study used a prospective observational design. Participants (n=20) were registered nurses considered to be superusers. They were randomly assigned to order of the task trainer.
UNASSIGNED: The findings suggest the learners preferred the low-fidelity task trainer. The clear Anatomical Box scored higher overall (18.35/21) when compared with the human-like task trainer (16.5/21). A higher fidelity task trainer may seem attractive; however, with a lens to cognitive load theory, it may hinder the early learning process. Fidelity requirements vary depending on the training task. Recommendations from this study include: initial instruction should focus on the psychomotor steps for the FT insertion process. The high-fidelity human torso is recommended for performance, final competency and ongoing competency maintenance.