A Study of Variation in the Tube Feeding Rate by Nurses in a Tertiary NICU

Authors

  • Sushma Krishnegowda JSS University http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0688-691X
  • Prajwala Hassan Vasudev JSS University
  • Srinivasa Murthy Doreswamy JSS University
  • S. Veena JSS University
  • M. Hemavathi JSS Universitry

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v36i3.16136

Keywords:

preterm, gravity feeds, feeding rate

Abstract

Introduction: 50-60% of the low birth weight babies in a neonatal unit are on gravity feed via gavage tube as they often are not strong enough to sustain on oral feeds. Successful feeding depends on nursing skill and individual variation can be expected. As with many other nursing practices in NICU, considerable variation can be expected in gravity feeding rate as well. The objective was to determine the intra individual and inter individual variation in the rate of gravity feeding among the nurses.

Material and Methods: This was a Prospective study done in a Tertiary Neonatal care unit. Babies weighing < 2 kgon enteral feeds were included in study. The nurses carried out feeding in the standard prescribed manner. Time taken for feeds was noted.

Results: 21 nurses participated in the study. 15 babies were included and there were 342 feed events. During 75(22%) feeding events, the nurses had an assignment of less than four babies. During rest of the 267 (78%) feeding events, they had more than four babies assigned for care. The median volume of feed was 14 ml and median duration was 8 minutes. Feeding rate variation within same nurse varied from one to 37.5 times their base line rate and in between the nurses varied by minimum of 17 times.

Conclusion: A wide intra and interpersonal variation among the nurses, with respect to the rate of feeding of newborns was observed in our study.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Abstract
1318
PDF
968

Author Biographies

Sushma Krishnegowda, JSS University

Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics

Prajwala Hassan Vasudev, JSS University

Senior Resident
Department of Pediatrics

Srinivasa Murthy Doreswamy, JSS University

Professor

Department of Pediatrics

S. Veena, JSS University

Department of Neonatology

M. Hemavathi, JSS Universitry

Department of Neonatology

Downloads

Published

2017-04-16

How to Cite

Krishnegowda, S., Vasudev, P. H., Doreswamy, S. M., Veena, S., & Hemavathi, M. (2017). A Study of Variation in the Tube Feeding Rate by Nurses in a Tertiary NICU. Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society, 36(3), 222–226. https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v36i3.16136

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 3 (2016)

Section

Original Articles

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.

Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.

Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).