Procedures for Caring for Patients With Feeding Tubes

Caring for the site of a feeding tube is of the utmost importance for individuals who have recently undergone surgery. Gastrostomy tubes (also known as g-tubes) are used to deliver food and medicine straight into the stomach of individuals recovering from a major operation. In addition, these tubes can vent and drain fluids. With little more than soap and water, a patient's feeding tube can be taken care of very easily by just about anyone---a friend, family member or even the patient himself.
  1. Caring for the Site

    • The site where the tube enters the body can become dirty and eventually infected. In order to care for the area, you must wash your hands with soap and water to ensure contaminants don't reach the site. Such cleaning will need to occur often, as gauze and dressings may become soaked with fluid or may adhere to the skin and the wound. You must gingerly remove the old dressing and, if possible, wash the area with soap and water. A colored discharge is normal in small quantities, but additional discharge---as well as redness, dry skin, swelling, extra skin growth and crustiness---should be noted and discussed with a doctor or a nurse.

    Redressing the Wound

    • Applying new dressings will help to keep the wound healthy and facilitate healing. After cleaning gently around the site, the skin should be dried off by dabbing a soft rag against the area. New dressing must be applied exactly as directed by the doctor. Overdressing a wound does not allow the area to breathe and can result in further issues; underdressing will not properly protect the site and allow contaminants to enter. Once dressing is finished, the tube must be secured with a piece of medical tape.

    Flushing, Venting and Protecting

    • In order to prevent the tube from accumulating buildup, it must be cleared. Flushing should occur at the very least every eight hours, but some doctors will recommend that tubes be flushed more often. Before and after tube feedings or medications are administered, a small amount of water will suffice to clear residue. After flushing, the tube should be reinserted into the site. Venting to eliminate trapped air pockets is also usually required. Caring for the tube after reinsertion means not handling it; the less trauma to the area, the better.

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