How to Insert a Feeding Tube

Feeding tubes are sometimes needed when individuals have neurological or gastrointestinal problems. Also, feeding tubes may be used when individuals have difficulty swallowing. Often, caregivers are responsible for inserting feeding tubes for their loved ones.

Things You'll Need

• Feeding tube
• Water-soluble lubricant
• Medical tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask the patient to either sit on the side of the bed or lie down with her arms placed above her head.

• 2

  Before attempting insertion, first measure the tube's length by placing the tube behind the patient's ear lobe, then pulling the tube to the nose and finally down to the stomach. Mark the place on the tube that ends at the stomach so that you will know how far to insert the tube. See illustration.

• 3

  Apply lubricant (use only water-soluble types) or water to the tube to make insertion more comfortable.

• 4

  Thread the tube down through the nostril. Continue pushing the tube down to the stomach until you reach the mark made in step 3. If breathing problems occur, take the tube out immediately because the tube may have accidentally entered the lungs instead of the stomach.

• 5

  Tape the tube to the patient's face and nose without blocking the nostrils.