Enteral nutrition via nasogastric, nasojejunal, or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding should be initiated in adult patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, have inadequate or unsafe oral intake, and possess a functional, accessible gastrointestinal tract NICE CG32.
Specifically, nasogastric tube feeding is indicated when the patient can swallow safely and has no upper gastrointestinal dysfunction, with initial placement confirmed by clinical checks NICE CG32.
For patients with upper gastrointestinal dysfunction or an inaccessible upper GI tract, post-pyloric (duodenal or jejunal) feeding should be considered NICE CG32.
Gastrostomy feeding is suitable for those likely to require long-term (4 weeks or more) enteral feeding NICE CG32.