Definition
Performing a test feed is a clinical nursing procedure used to assess a postoperative patient’s tolerance to oral intake, especially when a nasogastric (NG) tube is in place. It helps determine whether the gastrointestinal tract has resumed function and if the patient is ready to transition to full oral feeding.
Purposes
- To evaluate return of bowel function.
- To aid in decision regarding initiating oral feeds after surgery.
Articles
A clean tray containing:
- Towel.
- Ounce glass.
- Glass with water.
- Kidney tray.
- Syringe-20 mL
General Instructions
Number of feeds, quantity of each feed, and time of aspiration may differ according to surgeon’s order.
Procedure
| NURSING ACTIONS | RATIONALE | |
| 1. | Before procedure Check Physicians order. | Determines the type of feed. |
| 2. | Explain to the patient regarding purpose of test feed and how it will be performed. | Helps in obtaining cooperation of patient. |
| 3. | During procedure Aspirate nasogastric tube. | Determines the amount of gastric contents present. |
| 4. | Measure amount of water to be given, as per doctor’s order. | |
| 5. | Offer measured quantity of water every hour for 4 hours. | |
| 6. | Before giving fifth feed aspirate stomach contents, note the quantity. | Assesses patient’s tolerance for feed. |
| 7. | If patient develops vomiting, discontinue test feeds and inform physician. | |
| 8. | After procedure Record in nurse’s record and intake and output chart. | Recording aids in communication among health team members. |
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
Stories are the threads that bind us; through them, we understand each other, grow, and heal.
JOHN NOORD
Connect with “Nurses Lab Editorial Team”
I hope you found this information helpful. Do you have any questions or comments? Kindly write in comments section. Subscribe the Blog with your email so you can stay updated on upcoming events and the latest articles.
