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How to Perform Tube Feeding

External or tube feedings may become necessary when a patient is unable to get the nutrition that their body needs because of illness, trauma, or dysphasia (difficulty swallowing). Tube feedings inject fluids and nutrients directly into the digestive tract. Tube feedings may be short- or long-term, depending on the condition of the patient. There are different types of feeding tubes, including a gastrostomy tube (G-Tube), jejunostomy tube (J-Tube), and a nasogastric tube (NG-Tube).

Things You'll Need

  • 60-cubic-centimeter syringe with catheter tip
  • container with water
  • disposable medical gloves
  • prescribed feeding
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Instructions

    • 1

      Elevate head of bed to 30-to-45 degrees, or have patient sit up in order to prevent aspiration (inhalation of a foreign substance into the lungs) and to improve gravity. The food supplement should be room temperature to prevent abdominal cramping. Check the expiration date and consistency of the feeding.

    • 2

      Wash your hands and put on gloves. Remove the plug from the feeding tube. Insert the syringe into the tube and pull the plunger back. Some resistance should be expected. Stomach fluids will enter the tube. If more than 50 cubic centimeters of stomach fluids are present from the previous feeding, postpone the present feeding for 30 to 45 minutes and recheck. Instill the contents back into the stomach to prevent an imbalance of fluid and electrolytes.

    • 3

      Pour the feeding solution into the syringe slowly to prevent abdominal cramping, gas, and vomiting. Keep adding solution into the syringe until feeding is completed. Adjust the flow of the feeding solution by raising or lowering the tube and syringe. If vomiting occurs, clamp the tube and discontinue feeding.

    • 4

      Flush the tube with 60cc (1/4 cup) of water to clean the tube and prevent clogging. Clamp the tube, remove the syringe and insert the plug back into the end of the tube. Keep the patient's head elevated for 30-to-60 minutes after feeding. Cleanse the area around the tube with soap and water. Make sure the tube is secure.

    • 5

      Wash all supplies with warm soapy water to prevent bacteria growth. Rinse, dry, and store equipment for further use. Remove gloves and wash hands.

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