Gastric Tube Use and Care in the NICU

Discussion

The placement, care, and use of gastric tubes is one of the most frequent nursing procedures performed in the NICU and a procedure that has significant potential threats to safety. The rates of complications associated with these tubes are unknown and there is insufficient research to fully illicit how best to optimize enteral nutrition while minimizing risk. Nursing standards need to be developed to minimize risk and to track rates of complications. Extensive gaps in knowledge remain and challenge our ability to provide safe, effective, evidence based care.