Glossary of Terms
The building blocks of proteins, sometimes referred to as Pre-digested or Hydrolysed proteins.
A procedure used to determine the position of the end of the tube. It is also a term to mean removing feed from the lungs by suction.
A prescribed volume of feed given slowly via a syringe at a specific time.
Buried Bumper Syndrome
A rare complication which occurs when the PEG tube migrates between the stomach wall and the skin.
A fine hollow tube used to introduce fluid into a vein. Referred to by the manufacturers’ name e.g. Broviac or Hickman
The part of the catheter which connects to the giving set or catheter cap.
A method of administrating feed from the reservoir into the gastrointestinal tract over a continuous length of time. A pump is usually used.
The excessive loss of water and salts essential for normal body functioning.
A set of symptoms caused by the rapid delivery of food/feed into the GI tract.
A chemical that conducts electricity when dissolved and maintains the homeostasis (balance) of the body, regulating cardiac and nerve functions, fluid balance and oxygen transport.
Mineral which conducts chemical energy when dissolved in water e.g. Sodium, Potassium, Chloride.
The mixing of two substances which are not normally mixable with the use of a substance that can mix with each.
The place where your catheter is inserted into the vein.
The place where the catheter comes through the skin (and is covered by a dressing).
NB. Some catheters are implanted and the exit site will be just under the skin.
An abnormal opening between 2 organs, or between 1 organ and the skin.
An abnormal opening between 2 organs, or 1 organ and the skin.
Administering a small volume of water through th tube to clean it after you have used it to deliver your feed or drugs.
A tube inserted directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall – also referred to as enterostomy tubes.
Plastic tubing used to connect the container to your tube (sometimes called the delivery or administration set)
Specifically designed tubing to connect the feed container to your catheter.
A removable, fine wire which runs through the lumen of the feeding tube to assist in its placement. It is removed once the position of the tube has been verified.
Volume of the blood that is composed of red blood cells. A high Haematocrit indictates dehydration.
A high blood sugar level
A low blood sugar (also called a ‘hypo’)
Paralysis of at least part of the GI tract.
The process whereby fluid is delivered into the vein.
Going directly into a vein.
A tube inserted directly into the jejunum (part of the small intestine)
Used to confirm the feeding tube is in the correct position.
A tube passed through the nose and down to the duodenum (part of the small intestine) to enable feeding to bypass the stomach.
A tube passed through the nose and down into the stomach – also referred to as nasoenteric tubes
A tube passed through the nose and down into the jejunum (the second part of the small intestine), thus bypassing the stomach and the duodenum.
A surgically created opening.
“to eat via a vein” (literal translation)
Parenteral nutrition /Total parenteral nutrition /Home parenteral nutrition – when all or some of the nutrients or fluids needed are delivered directly into the bloodstream.
A condition which can occur during feeding after illness when there has been limited or no oral intake. Known to be caused by a shift in metabolic activity and required immediate medical treatment.
Glass or plastic container used for the feeding solution.
A widespread infection carried in your bloodstream.
Short Bowel Syndrome
Resulting from the removal of a portion of the small intestine, with characteristic symptoms; including impaired digestion & absorption.
The degree to which symptoms arise from an infusion of formula.