Mrs X is a 78-year-old woman admitted to hospital with severe progressive dysphagia to solids and liquids for the previous 3months, resulting in 15%weight loss. She is now unable to tolerate any oral diet or fluids. Advanced inoperable oesophageal carcinoma is diagnosed. Bedside and endoscopic attempts to place a nasogastric tube fail.
QUESTIONS
1. Which type of nutritional support is best for this patient?
2. What are the likely metabolic complications she may encounter on commencing enteral feeding?
3. The NG tube is inadvertently displaced overnight; Mrs X refuses attempts to replace the