Tube feeding: complications among the elderly.

1. The elderly who are receiving nutritional support through nasogastric feeding are at higher risk for complications. Most common complications include aspiration, clogging, agitation, and diarrhea. 2. Agitation, which can lead to self-extubation among the elderly receiving tube feeding, is seen as undesirable and elderly patients end up being restrained. The use of restraints, whether chemical or physical, can lead to further complications. Immobilization by restraint has no place in the nutritional support of the elderly. 3. Nurses play an important role in providing safe nutritional support. Only through research can weaknesses and strengths of nursing practice be identified, and be able to provide an alternative, modification, or support to the present practice.