A Practical Guide to Using a Kangaroo Feeding Pump: Tips and Techniques for the LPN
As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), it is important to have a thorough understanding of various medical devices and equipment that you may encounter in your daily practice. One such device is a kangaroo feeding pump, which is commonly used to deliver precise amounts of nutrition and medications to patients who are unable to eat or drink orally. In this article, I will provide a practical guide on how to use a kangaroo feeding pump.
Before we dive into the specifics of using a kangaroo feeding pump, it is essential to understand the basics of enteral nutrition and the indications for using this type of feeding pump. Enteral nutrition refers to the delivery of nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract through a tube. It is commonly used for patients who are unable to consume enough nutrition orally due to various reasons, such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), gastrointestinal disorders, or coma.
A kangaroo feeding pump is a portable device that can be used for continuous or intermittent feeding, depending on the patient’s needs. It consists of a feeding bag, a pump, and a tube that is inserted into the patient’s stomach or small intestine through a nasal-gastric tube, gastrostomy tube, or jejunostomy tube. The pump is programmed to deliver a specific amount of nutrition at a specific rate, which can be adjusted as needed.
Here is a practical video with instructions on how to use the Kangaroo Pump. You can learn all about how to use the Kangaroo enteral feeding pump, provided by Shield HealthCare:
Now that we have a basic understanding of enteral nutrition and kangaroo feeding pumps, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of using this device.
Step 1: Assemble the kangaroo feeding pump and the feeding bag according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to sterilize the feeding bag and the connectors using a germicide solution before assembling the pump.
Step 2: Check the prescribed feeding orders and the patient’s allergies to ensure that the correct nutrition is being delivered. If the patient is on any medications, check for any potential drug interactions with the enteral nutrition.
Step 3: Connect the feeding bag to the pump and hang the bag on the designated IV pole. Make sure the feeding bag is at least two-thirds full to ensure an uninterrupted flow of nutrition.
Step 4: Check the integrity of the feeding tube by aspirating a small amount of gastric contents and checking for the presence of bile and undigested food.
Step 5: Secure the feeding tube to the patient’s skin using a transparent adhesive dressing and fasten the pump to the IV pole using the designated straps.
Step 6: Prime the pump by pressing the “Prime” button and allowing the nutrition to flow through the tube. This step is essential to remove any air bubbles in the tubing and ensure an uninterrupted flow of nutrition.
Step 7: Turn on the pump and set the flow rate according to the prescribed orders. The flow rate can be adjusted by pressing the “Rate” button and using the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the flow.
Step 8: Monitor the patient’s vital signs and intake and output regularly. Document the amount of nutrition delivered and any adverse reactions or complications.
Step 9: Clean the feeding bag and the tubing with water and a mild detergent after each use and allow it to air dry. Replace the feeding bag and tubing every 24 hours or as needed.
Using a kangaroo feeding pump may seem intimidating at first, but with proper training and practice, it can be a valuable tool in providing optimal nutrition to patients who are unable to eat or drink orally. As a nurse, it is important to have a thorough understanding of this device and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and best practices when using it.
A kangaroo feeding pump is a useful tool for delivering precise amounts of nutrition and medications to patients who are unable to eat or drink orally. As a nurse, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of how to use this device and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and best practices when administering enteral nutrition. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, you can ensure that you are using the kangaroo feeding pump safely and effectively to provide optimal nutrition to your patients.
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