Enteral Feeding in A Gastrostomy Tube

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ENTERAL FEEDING IN A GASTROSTOMY TUBE FOR ADULTS.

(Copied from: Intermountain Home care & Hospice care)
PREPARING FOR A G-TUBE FEEDING BEFORE WORKING WITH THE G-TUBE:

 Clean your hands with soap and water.
 Flush (clear) the feeding tube with warm water to keep it from clogging.
STEPS FOR GIVING A BOLUS OR SYRINGE FEEDING.
1. Position patient comfortably for the feeding. Whenever possible, sit upright. If this is not
possible, make sure the head is elevated on the bed during the feeding.
2. Flush the tube with 30 to 60mL of warm water.
3. Remove the plunger from the large syringe and attach the syringe to the end of the feeding
tube or extension.
4. Pour formula into the syringe.
5. If there is a clamp on your feeding tube, unclamp it. Let the feeding run in by gravity by
raising the syringe above your stomach. Feeding takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If needed,
use the plunger to apply slight pressure to start the feeding then remove the plunger.
6. When the feeding is complete, flush with at least 30 to 60mL of warm water
DE-CLOGGING YOUR TUBE YOUR G-TUBE MAY BECOME CLOGGED.

Frequent flushing with warm water is the best way to prevent clogging.
Always flush the tube before and after feeding, before, between, and after each medication, and any
time the pump is stopped for any reason (for example, when going to the restroom).
If the feeding tube clogs, first check if the tube is kinked. If it is not, follow 1 of these 2 methods to
“de-clog” (unclog) the tube:
Method
1. Fill a 60mL syringe with warm water.
2. Flush the tube working the plunger in and out.
3. Repeat 4 to 5 times until the tube flushes easily.
4. If you are unable to de-clog the tube, call the doctor.
GIVING MEDICATION
 Always flush the tube with warm water before, between, and after each medication.
 Always try to use liquid medication. If the medication is thick, add a small amount of water
or other liquid as instructed to thin it out.
 If medication is in a tablet form, crush the tablet into a fine powder, mix with warm water,
and dissolve it as much as possible.
Grm 21/04/2023. Madang Provincial General Hospital Anaesthesia-Intensive care Services.

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 Flush the tube with warm water.

 Attach the syringe containing the medication and give it.
 Flush with warm water.
 Repeat with each medication.
Do not give these medications through the feeding tube.
 Time-released capsules
 Enteric-coated tablets
 Digestive enzymes
 Biaxin (antibiotic).
VENTING
Venting through the tube will relieve bloating and help stop leakage around the tube. This is done by
placing an empty syringe, without the plunger, on the end of the tube and letting the air be released.
Sometimes a small amount of gastric juice may come out, which is normal.
If the tube comes out, wash it off with soap and water and place it back in the hole in the abdomen
(belly) as soon as possible. If you can’t get the original tube back in, use the back-up catheter or tube.
Tape the tube in place. Contact the doctor. Do not use the tube until the doctor has checked it.
GENERAL CARE MOUTH CARE

 Brush teeth with toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice each day.
 Rinse mouth with mouthwash or water several times each day, if allowed.
 Use a lip balm for dry lips.
 If allowed, suck on sugarless candy, hard candy, or chew gum.
SITE (STOMA) CARE

Site care should be done according to your doctor’s guidelines.
 After the site has healed, clean it at least daily with soap and water, then rinse and dry. A
small amount of drainage around the tube is normal.
 Change your G-tube dressing anytime it gets wet.
 You may remove your dressing to shower. Apply a new dressing when finished.
 Tape the tube properly to prevent complications in the area. Call the doctor for instructions.
To the patient.
 Do not go swimming or soak in a hot tub or bathtub unless your doctor says it’s okay.
 Note: The skin around the tube may be pink or red, this is normal. If the redness gets larger,
has pus drainage, or feels hot, call your doctor. If your tube cracks, breaks, or is accidentally
damaged, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Once your site has healed, then dressing is
not needed.
Grm 21/04/2023. Madang Provincial General Hospital Anaesthesia-Intensive care Services.

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1

ENTERAL FEEDING IN A GASTROSTOMY TUBE FOR ADULTS.

PREPARING FOR A G-TUBE FEEDING BEFORE WORKING WITH THE G-TUBE:

STEPS FOR GIVING A BOLUS OR SYRINGE FEEDING.

DE-CLOGGING YOUR TUBE YOUR G-TUBE MAY BECOME CLOGGED.

Grm 21/04/2023. Madang Provincial General Hospital Anaesthesia-Intensive care Services.

 Flush the tube with warm water.

Do not give these medications through the feeding tube.

GENERAL CARE MOUTH CARE

SITE (STOMA) CARE

Grm 21/04/2023. Madang Provincial General Hospital Anaesthesia-Intensive care Services.

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