British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
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The use of enteral feeding tubes, such as nasogastric and gastrostomy tubes, to support a patient's nutritional intake is generally considered to be safe and effective. However, recent alerts and recommendations from the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) regarding enteral feeding have led health professionals to review their practice and guidelines. This article explores safe practice in enteral tube feeding in the light of three NPSA alerts: Promoting safer measurement and administration of liquid medicines via oral and other enteral routes (2007), Early detection of complications after gastrostomy (2010) and Reducing the harm caused by misplaced nasogastric tubes in adults and children (2011).