How to Assess the Placement of Feeding Tubes

If you are unable to properly eat food or drink liquids, you may require a feeding tube. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure in which a feeding tube is inserted directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall. In some cases, a different kind of process called nasogastric intubation will be used. As a patient, you can take several steps to make sure the feeding tubes are being placed properly.

Instructions

• 1

  Breathe normally. If this is difficult, or you feel like you're choking, something is wrong. If you are receiving nasogastric intubation, the feeding tube should be travel from the nose through the esophagus and into the stomach. In rare cases, the tube can accidentally enter the larynx and the trachea. If this has occurred, breathing will suddenly become very difficult. Alert your doctor immediately if this is the case.

• 2

  Swallow. In nasogastric intubation, the feeding tube itself is slid through the esophagus. In PEGs, an endoscope is placed down the esophagus to capture images of the abdominal feeding tube. In either case, a tube must slide down your esophagus, and swallowing can ensure proper placement. When the tube reaches the back of your mouth, try to swallow. This will facilitate proper insertion and allow the tube to easily enter the pharynx. You will likely gag as this occurs, but this is normal.

• 3

  Make sure this tape is attached properly and the feeding tube is firmly in place. If you are receiving a PEG, the tube itself will be secured to the skin at the opening of the abdomen with medical tape.

• 4

  Observe the live footage of the endoscope on the attached monitor. The end of the PEG tube should be completely within the walls of the stomach cavity.

• 5

  Check to make sure that fresh, sterile gauze surrounds the incision in the abdomen (only for PEG). This helps to prevent contamination and infection. If the gauze becomes exceedingly bloody or soiled, ask the nurse or doctor replace with fresh dressing.