Search

Background: Bedside methods to verify placement of a feeding tube are not accurate for detecting placement within the gastrointestinal tract, increasing risk of pulmonary aspiration. Current guidelines recommend verifying placement every 4 hours, yet the rationale for this recommendation is unknown. Objective: To assess spontaneous migration of small-bore feeding tubes in critically ill adults. Methods: A prospective, repeated-measures cohort study was performed in 2 intensive care units. An electromagnetic placement device was used to assess distal feeding tube location every 24 hours for 7 days. Tube migration between zones—esophageal, gastric, and postpyloric— was considered clinically significant. Results: Feeding tubes were analyzed in 20 patients. Interrater agreement was substantial for round 2 of a blinded analysis of insertion tracings (g = 0.78); 100% agreement was achieved after unblinding. Among 62 outcomes (migration assessments), 4 feeding tubes migrated 8 times (3 forward and 5 retrograde). All migrations occurred in the postpyloric zone and none were clinically significant. Within 24 hours of insertion, 50% of feeding tubes had migrated forward. Repeated-measures analysis showed a greater likelihood of migration in patients with an endotracheal tube (relative risk, 3.46 [95% CI, 1.14-10.53]; P =.03). Conclusions: No tubes migrated retrograde into the stomach or esophagus, challenging the practice of verifying placement every 4 hours. Verification every 24 hours may be adequate if migration is not suspected. Also, lack of visible anatomical structures on insertion tracings from an electromagnetic placement device make subtle changes in postpyloric placement difficult to identify accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Blind insertion of feeding tubes remains unsafe. Electromagnetic placement devices such as the CORTRAK Enteral Access System allow operators to interpret placement of feeding tubes in real time. However, pneumothoraces have been reported and inadequate user expertise is a concern. Objective To explore factors influencing competency of CORTRAK-assisted feeding tube insertion. Methods A prospective, observational pilot study was conducted. Data collection included demographics, self-confidence, clinical judgment regarding CORTRAK-assisted feeding tube insertion, and general self-efficacy. CORTRAK-assisted feeding tube insertions were performed with the Anatomical Box and CORMAN task trainers. Results Twenty nurses who had inserted a mean of 53 CORTRAK feeding tubes participated. Participants inserted a mean of 2 CORTRAK feeding tubes weekly; each had inserted a feeding tube in the past 7 days. All superusers were competent; 1 required remediation for improper receiver unit placement. Mean (SD) scores were 35 (3.68) on a 40-point scale for self-efficacy, 4.6 (0.68) on a 5-point scale for self-reported feeding tube insertion confidence, and 4.85 (0.49) on a 5-point scale for demonstrated confidence. Participants estimated that 8 CORTRAK-assisted insertions were needed before they felt competent as super users. Confidence with the CORTRAK tracing was estimated to require 10 feeding tube insertions. Six participants continued to assess placement by auscultation, suggesting low confidence in their interpretation of the tracing. Conclusions At least 3 observations should be performed to assess initial competency; the number should be individualized to the operator. Interpretation of the insertion tracing is complex and requires multiple performance opportunities to gain competency and confidence for this high-risk skill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]