How to Eat With a Button Style Feeding Tube

A feeding tube is used to provide nutrition to someone who cannot swallow or who is in danger of aspirating (breathing into the lungs) the food he tries to swallow.  This style feeding tube is inserted through a small incision in the abdominal wall and has a small flap, or "button," that seals the tube to prevent contamination when it is not in use. Button tubes are for long-term use. 

Things You'll Need

• Glass of room temperature water
• 30 cc syringe
• Bolus tube with adapter plug
• Formula for feeding, room temperature
• Soap and water

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Instructions

• 1

  Clamp off the bolus tube.  A bolus tube is inserted temporarily just tor the feedings.  A bolus feeding is a feeding that is done all at once, instead of gradually all day long.  The usual amount for a bolus feeding is about 300 cc, but it will vary according to your physician's orders

• 2

  Take the syringe and remove the plunger.  Attach the syringe to the wide opening of the bolus tube.

• 3

  Hold the tube over the sink and pour in formula until it starts pouring out the other end of the tube; clamp the tube shut again.  This prevents air in the tube from being pushed into the recipient's stomach, which can cause cramping.

• 4

  Raise the head of the bed if the patient is lying down to prevent backflow of the formula into the patient's lungs.  It is best to administer the feedings with the person sitting fully upright if possible.

• 5

  Open the button flap or plug of the peg tube and attach the adapter to the end of the button. 

• 6

  Unclamp the tube and begin feeding.  Depending upon the size of the feeding, the formula should be added over a period of about 15 to 20 minutes.  Do not raise the syringe higher than the patient's head, as this will cause the formula to flow in too quickly and could cause cramping.

• 7

  Rinse the tube with at least 30 cc of room temperature water when you are through feeding the formula.

• 8

  Clamp the bolus tube shut before removing it from the button.  If the patient seems to have air in her stomach, you may leave the button open for a short while to allow the air to escape.

• 9

  Replace the button flap or plug.

• 10

  Wash gently around the button with warm soap and water and pat dry. This will prevent any formula that may have dripped on the skin from irritating the skin.

• 11

  Wash the bolus tube and syringe with mild soap and water and rinse well. Hang tube up to dry to make sure all residual water drains out of it. Store the tube and syringe in a closed zipper lock bag between uses.