Bolus Tube Feeding
Bolus Tube Feeding
People who can tolerate a normal amount of food at one time can be fed by bolus feeding. Feedings are most often given every 4 to 6 hours during waking hours. They are only given in the stomach. You’ll be told how often to give the feedings and how much water to give the person between feedings. To begin, wash your hands. Then open and use only the prescribed amount of liquid food (formula).
There are two types of syringes and feeding tubes. One type has a connection that lets you plug or push the syringe tip into the feeding tube. A newer type syringe and feeding tube has a twist on safety connector. This feature means that you must use a specific syringe that twists onto your feeding tube. Check with your care team to make sure you are following the steps for your type of tube.
Twist-type safety syringe and feeding tube
Step 1. Twist the syringe tip onto the feeding tube
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Step 2. Fill the syringe
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Step 3. Give the feeding
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Repeat steps 2 and 3
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you’ve given the prescribed amount of formula.
Unscrew the syringe and replace the tube's port cap.
You can also fill the syringe from a measuring cup.
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Plug-in type syringe and feeding tube
Step 1. Put the syringe tip in the port
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Step 2. Fill the syringe
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Step 3. Give the feeding
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Repeat steps 2 and 3
Repeat steps 2 or 3 until you've given the prescribed amount of formula.
Remove the syringe and close the port cap.
You can also fill the syringe from a measuring cup.
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Updated:  
January 26, 2018
Sources:  
Continuous versus bolus infusion of enteral nutrition in intensive care unit. Abdelsalam Y. Anveshana Ayurveda Medical Journal. 2012;10(3):154., Nutrition Support in Critically Ill Patients: Enteral Nutrition. UpToDate, Operating room hazards and approaches to improve patient safety, Up to Date, The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) Enteral Nutrition Practice Recommendations. Bankhead R. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. 2009;33(2):s122-67.
Reviewed By:  
Freeborn, Donna, PhD, CNM, FNP,Image reviewed by StayWell medical illustration team.,Lehrer, Jenifer, MD,Watson, L. Renee, RN, MSN