Why would you get a NJ tube?

A nasojejunal (NJ) tube is a small tube that is passed through the nose and into the small bowel to feed children who cannot get enough nutrients by eating.

What conditions require a feeding tube?

Conditions for Which We Use a Feeding Tube

• Crohn’s disease (in severe cases)
• Gastrointestinal cancer.
• Gastrointestinal complications due to trauma.
• Intestinal failure.
• Bowel obstruction.
• Microscopic colitis.
• Narrowing in your esophagus or digestive tract (stricture)
• Short bowel syndrome.

Who is a candidate for a feeding tube?

Candidates for tube feeding may have different medical issues, but you all have one thing in common – you can’t eat enough to get the right amount of nutrition. Good nutrition is essential to maintain weight, and in some cases to improve recovery, response to treatments, and maintain independence.

Who puts in an NJ tube?

A nurse or other care team member will hold the tube and put it into one nostril. The tube will be moved slowly through the nasal passage. The patient will be asked to swallow or drink a sip of water. This helps the tube advance to its correct position.

What is the difference between NJ and NG tube?

NG- and NJ-Tubes An NG-tube can be placed at the bedside. An NJ-tube, however, is typically placed under endoscopic guidance because the tube must pass beyond the stomach outlet and into the small bowel.

How long can an NJ feeding tube stay in?

Gastrointestinal access for up to 4–6 weeks is usually achieved using NG or NJ tubes, although placement of percutaneous gastrostomy or jejunostomy access should be considered sooner if feeding is very likely to be prolonged (see section 7.3).

Can a patient refuse a feeding tube?

Ethically and legally patients have the right to refuse life-sustaining treatment, including artificial nutrition and hydration. The Patient Self-Determination Act (1991) is a federal statute that reinforces patients’ rights to refuse artificial hydration and nutrition.

Can you eat with an NJ tube?

The NJ tube is soft and flexible so it can pass through the nose and stomach comfortably. In the jejunum, food and medication can be quickly absorbed into your body. The jejunum is small, so it can only take a small amount of food at a time.

What is NJ feeding?

Introduction. Jejunal feeding is the method of feeding directly into the small bowel. The feeding tube is passed into the stomach, through the pylorus and into the jejunum. This type of feeding is also known as post-pyloric or trans-pyloric feeding.