[Dysphagia] reflux and feeding tubes

[Drirenect at aol.com (Drirenect@aol.com)]

In a message dated 2/7/2006 4:41:54 PM Atlantic Standard Time,  
Heidi.Bassani@amedd.army.mil writes:
 
 
Whether or not a  patient is fed enterally is not our decision, it is
that of the family as  long as they are informed about the risks,
benefits and outcome in the  end. 
*** Certainly ? as  long as they are informed that not only does it do no 
good in such a condition  but actually does harm. I have had families that 
refused to acknowledge this,  insisted on enteral feeding ? and lived to regret it. 
But, it is their decision.  I hope that in this case, all of the 
contraindications have been reported to  them 

Also, this is a GI  issue, not an issue that should be addressed by  an
SLP.  
*** On the contrary ? anyone involved in  swallowing ? which one presumes 
was the issue that led to the enteral feeding ?  needs to be aware of its 
dangers and contraindications. It is not a GI issue ?  it is the responsibility of 
the attending physician in the NH. And what about  the responsibility for 
advocating on behalf of one?s  patient?And  if it is not an issue for an SLP, why 
are so many recommending NPO in dysphagic  patients?
 

Whether  or not a patient is fed enterally is not our decision, it is
that of the  family as long as they are informed about the risks,
benefits and outcome  in the end. Period.

Also, this is a GI issue, not an issue that should  be addressed by an
SLP.  It's likely that this person may not take a  PO diet as many
Alzheimer's pt's hold food in their mouth and never trigger  a swallow.
Why is she on a feeding tube anyway?  Leave the reflux  issue to GI.