artificial nutrition and hydration


artificial nutrition and hydration

A term defined in the context of end-of-life decisions in the UK, as the constellation of techniques (such as the use of nasogastric tubes, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy/“gastric PEG”, subcutaneous hydration, or intravenous cannula) which provide nutrition and hydration to a patient with difficulty in taking fluids or food orally. A distinction is generally made between such "artificial" means and "oral" nutrition and hydration where food or drink is given by mouth; the latter is regarded as part of nursing care.