How to Use a Feeding Tube in an Elderly Male

Feeding tubes provide people with nutritional needs when they have medical complications that make it difficult to swallow. A temporary feeding tube can be placed through the nose or through the mouth. These are called NG and OG tubes, respectively. NG and OG tubes are used most often in a hospital setting. When a feeding tube may is needed on a long-term basis, it may be surgically placed. This is called a gastrostomy tube, commonly known as a g-tube. The g-tube is the type of feeding tube used most often in elderly males who are cared for by their family members at home.

Things You'll Need

• Button-up shirt
• 60 cc catheter-tip syringe
• Extension tube
• Liquid food

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Wear clothing that allows for easy access to the feeding tube. A feeding tube placed in the stomach will be toward the left side of the body. An elderly man can wear a button-up shirt, which allows for easy access to the tube without having to shift a lot of clothing around.

• 2

  Inspect the incision site for any lesions or irritated areas. According to Stephanie J. Buchholz RN, MSN of East Central College, the formation of white spots due to chronic irritation occurs more frequently in men who have a gastrostomy feeding tube than in women who have gastrostomy feeding tubes.

• 3

  Remove the port plug. Connect a catheter-tip syringe to the large end of the extension tube.

• 4

  Insert the small end of the extension tube in the port opening. Twist the extension tube approximately one-fourth of a turn to lock it in place. The line on the extension tube and the line on the port will be aligned.

• 5

  Hold the 60 cc syringe at about chest level. Pour the liquid food into the syringe. The flow rate should allow liquid to enter the body over a period of 20 minutes. If the food is flowing in too fast, lower the syringe. If it is too slow, raise the syringe. The formula will be pulled in by gravity. Occasionally, the doctor may instruct you to use the syringe plunger to slowly administer food.

• 6

  Flush the feeding tube with approximately 20 cc of water after all the food has gone through.

• 7

  Disconnect the extension tube by rotating the extension tube end one-fourth turn the opposite direction and pulling it out. Replace the port plug.

• 8

  Rinse the extension tube and syringe in warm soapy water until they are completely cleared. They can be reused many times.