Bolus Feed -A tube feed that is given with a set amount of formula. This set amount of formula is given multiple times throughout the day (usually less than 30 minutes per feed, 3 or 4 times per day). Bolus feeds can be administered by syringe, gravity bags, or a feeding pump.
Button - Also known as a "G-button" is a low profile G-tube positioned against the abdominal wall and kept in place by an inflated, water-filled balloon.
Continuous Feed -A tube feed that is slowly dripped in using a feeding pump. It runs over longer periods of time, either overnight or for many hours per day.
Enteral Nutrition - Also known as "Tube Feeding" refers to food or formula provided through a tube via the nose, stomach, or small intestine.
Feeding Tolerance/Intolerance -How a child reacts to tube feeds. If a child seems happy or content during and after feeding, he tolerates feeding well. If there is discomfort, coughing, vomiting, or retching during or after feeding, then there is feeding intolerance.
Flush -Administering water into the feeding tube (usually with a syringe) to clear food, formula, or medication, to keep it from clogging. The length of the tube determines the amount of flush needed (usually between 10–20mL).
Motility/Dysmotility -How food and liquids move through the GI tract. If there is a motility issue, referred to as dysmotility, then food isn’t moving through as it should. There can be dysmotility at any point in the GI tract, from the esophagus all the way to the stomach, intestines, and bowels.
Prime - Priming is when you remove air from the feeding tube with formula or water. This prevents air from entering the stomach which can lead to discomfort such as bloating and gas.
PEG - A PEG specifically describes a long G-tube placed by endoscopy and stands for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Sometimes the term PEG is used to describe all G-tubes.
Stoma -The stoma is the tube site itself (for G-, GJ- and J-tubes). It is the opening that connects the feeding tube on the outside of the body to the stomach or intestine on the inside.
Vent/Venting -Letting the air out of the stomach with a feeding tube.
