Inserting a Feeding Tube

The burn patient needs to eat more than usual to help his or her skin heal. The patient may not be able to eat at this time, or if they can, they may not feel like eating very much. A feeding tube is a small tube placed through a nostril, that descends into the stomach or small intestine. Liquid food is put into the stomach all day and all night, and the burn patient doesn't have to swallow. Feeding tubes are usually put in place within twenty-four hours of admission. A patient with burns may require two times their normal calorie intake to help heal their wounds.