Tube feeding for older adults with advanced dementia offers no benefit over careful feeding assistance related to the outcomes of aspiration pneumonia and the extension of life. While food is the preferred form of obtaining nutrition, oral supplements may be beneficial if this intervention meets the person’s known goals of care. Tube feeding may contribute to client discomfort and result in agitation, the use of physical and/or chemical restraint and worsening pressure wounds.
Conditions: Dementia, aspiration pneumonia
Procedures: Tube feeding
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Sources
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