The Prevalence of Microbial Growth in Enteral Tube Feeding in Two North Central Hospitals

Enteral tube feeding (ETF) is used to provide nutrition via the gastrointestinal tract to individuals who are unable to meet their nutritional needs safely or adequately with oral intake. The ETF solution may support microbial growth when this growth is introduced into the ETF delivery system. Adverse patient conditions have been associated with large amounts and/or unacceptable types of microbial growth in ETF. This study investigated the prevalence of microbial growth in aspects of the ETF delivery system on single given days in 2 midsize north central hospitals. Methods of care of some aspects of the ETF delivery system were explored as well as potential adverse patient conditions in respect to microbial growth in ETF. Microbial growth that exceeded the established standards was found. Methods of care of equipment studied was associated with varying microbial growth, but was not found to be of statistical significance. Adverse patient conditions associated with microbial growth in ETF are difficult to definitively identify.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - University Access Only

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate Nursing

Year

1995

Author dc:creator

• McGinnis, Carol M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Diana Sorenson

• enteral feeding
• equipment and supplies
• sanitation
• microbial growth
• Nursing

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 1995 Carol McGinnis. All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/760

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openprairie.sdstate.edu:etd-1760